Systems, methods and devices for enabling remote participation in live in-person games

Abstract

A system, method, and device for enabling a remote player to participate in a live game together with in-person participants. A proxy device may be deployed at a gaming location where the live in-person game is being played. The proxy device communicates with a user device of a corresponding user. The user receives feedback data from the proxy device related to the game. The user controls the operation of the proxy device through the user's user device. Thus, the proxy device participates in the live game on behalf of the user. This may enable the user to enjoy the entire gaming experience of participating in a live game together with other participants and / or venue employees, even while the user is not physically present at the gaming location.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 433,073, filed December 16, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This specification relates generally to in-person gaming, and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for enabling remote players to participate in live games together with in-person participants. [Background technology]

[0003] Introduction The following is not an admission that what is described below is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0004] In-person gaming venues allow individuals to participate in a variety of games with other players, including individuals they may not know. In-person gaming is often a social experience that enhances the enjoyment of the game and encourages individuals to continue participating. However, some aspects of in-person gaming are less desirable, including unwanted social interaction, such as heckling or harassment, and health-related aspects, such as smoking or the possibility of contracting a contagious disease.

[0005] Players also form attachments to particular venues, gaming tables, slot machines, and even particular employees within the venues based on the player's impressions or experiences at those venues. However, traveling to a particular venue can be a time-consuming and costly endeavor depending on the distance from the player's location.

[0006] Venues such as casinos provide the infrastructure and personnel to facilitate and support these in-person games. Venue operators often desire to maximize participation in ongoing games in order to maximize the revenue the venue operator can achieve. However, maintaining a consistently high number of players for all but the most popular of the venues can be difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The following introduction is provided to orient the reader to the more detailed description that follows. This introduction does not limit or define the claimed or unclaimed inventions. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or subcombination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this specification, including the claims and figures thereof.

[0008] The present application provides systems, methods, and devices for enabling remote players to participate in live games together with in-person participants.

[0009] A proxy device may be deployed at a gaming location where a live in-person game is being played. The proxy device is operable to communicate with a user device of a corresponding user. The user may receive feedback data from the proxy device related to the game. The user may control the operation of the proxy device through the user's user device. Thus, the proxy device may participate in the live game on behalf of the user. This may enable the user to enjoy the entire gaming experience of participating in a live game along with other participants and / or venue employees, even while the user is not physically present at the gaming location.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided for enabling remote participation in a live in-person game taking place at a gaming venue, the system comprising: a proxy device located at the gaming venue; and one or more servers communicatively coupled to the proxy device and the user device, the proxy device being disposable at a gaming location within the gaming venue, the one or more servers configured to receive control data from the user device and transmit the control data to the proxy device, and the proxy device being configured to participate in the game at the gaming location in response to the control data, thereby enabling a user associated with the user device to participate in the game.

[0011] The control data may include wager data, and the proxy device may be configured to place a wager on the game in response to the wager data.

[0012] The proxy device may be configured to obtain game data related to the status of the game and to transmit the game data to one or more servers, which may be configured to transmit the game data to the user device, wherein the game data is usable by the user device to generate a status output representative of the status of the game.

[0013] Game data may include user-specific data that is not visible to other players participating in the game.

[0014] The game data may include participant wagering data about one or more live players participating live in a game at a gaming venue.

[0015] The game data may include dealer data representing instructions provided by a dealer in a game.

[0016] The proxy device may be configured to identify designated actions to be performed by a dealer of the game and automatically generate dealer data in response to identifying the designated actions.

[0017] The specified action may correspond to a no more bets instruction, and the one or more servers may be configured to prevent the user from submitting further bets in response to identifying the no more bets instruction.

[0018] The proxy device may be configured to obtain environmental data related to the gaming venue environment and transmit the environmental data to one or more servers, and the one or more servers may be configured to transmit the environmental data to the user device, wherein the environmental data is usable by the user device to generate an environmental output representative of the gaming venue environment.

[0019] The user device may be operable to mute at least a portion of the environmental data acquired by the proxy device.

[0020] The one or more servers may be configured to receive additional wagering data from additional user devices, where the additional user devices correspond to additional users, and to transmit the additional wagering data to a proxy device, which may be configured to place additional piggyback wagers on the game in response to the additional wagering data, thereby enabling the additional users to participate in the game by piggybacking on the participation of the user devices.

[0021] The one or more servers may be configured to receive auto-bet data from a user device and to transmit the auto-bet data to a proxy device, which may be configured to place a plurality of automated bets on a game in response to the auto-bet data.

[0022] The automated bet data defines a user-specified set of betting rules, and the proxy device may be configured to place automated bets in accordance with the user-specified set of betting rules in the absence of additional instructions.

[0023] The user device may be located at the gaming venue.

[0024] The user device may be located at a remote user location outside the gaming venue.

[0025] The gaming venue may be a casino and the game may be a casino game.

[0026] The proxy device and one or more servers may communicate over a local private network.

[0027] One or more servers and user devices may communicate over a local private network.

[0028] The one or more servers and the user devices may communicate at least in part using a public network.

[0029] The one or more servers may be configured to authenticate a user before allowing the user device to control a proxy device to participate in a game.

[0030] The one or more servers may be configured to continually authenticate the user while the game is in progress to allow the user device to continue to control the proxy device.

[0031] The system may include at least one table output unit located at the gaming location, the at least one table output unit operable to display user bet data based on data received from the proxy device in response to the control data.

[0032] In one aspect of the disclosure, a device is provided for enabling remote participation in live in-person games taking place at a gaming venue, the device comprising: a base deployable at a gaming location for a particular game within the gaming venue; at least one input unit attached to the base, the at least one input unit including a video capture device, the at least one input unit being deployable to acquire game status data related to a play environment of the particular game; at least one output unit attached to the base, the at least one output unit being deployable to engage with a play environment of the particular game; a communications interface; and one or more processors, the one or more processors configured to: acquire game data related to a status of the particular game using the at least one input unit; transmit the game data to a user device via the communications interface; receive control data from the user device via the communications interface, the control data comprising bet data for a particular game taking place within the gaming venue; and operate the at least one output unit to place bets on the particular game using the bet data.

[0033] The at least one output unit may include a speaker, and the one or more processors may be configured to output an audio wager for the game through the speaker in response to the control data.

[0034] The at least one output unit may include a display, and the one or more processors may be configured to display bets for the game on the display in response to the control data.

[0035] The at least one output unit may include a projector, and the one or more processors may be configured to project bets for the game onto a playing surface of the game in response to the control data.

[0036] The at least one output unit may include a display, and the one or more processors may be configured to display user representations on the display while the game is in progress.

[0037] The user representation may be defined based on video data showing the user that is acquired from the user device while the game is in progress.

[0038] The user representation may be generated as an avatar representing the user.

[0039] The device may be deployable at multiple gaming locations within a gaming venue.

[0040] The base may be a movable base.

[0041] The base may be wheeled

[0042] The device may include one or more track members, which may be mateable with the track and the device may be movable along the track.

[0043] The communication interface may include a wireless communication unit.

[0044] The communication interface may include at least one wired communication connection.

[0045] The device may include a lock that can be used to secure the device to a particular gaming location.

[0046] The lock may be mateable with a corresponding lock receiving member at a particular gaming location.

[0047] At least one input unit may be height adjustable.

[0048] At least one output unit may be height adjustable.

[0049] The device may be adjustable to a compact stored position.

[0050] The at least one output unit may include at least one game-specific interaction unit configured to enable participation in a specified game.

[0051] The at least one game-specific interaction unit may include multiple game-specific interaction units, and the device may be operable to coordinate among the game-specific interaction units to enable the device to participate in different games.

[0052] At least one of the game-specific interaction units may be removable.

[0053] The device may include a chip enclosure shaped to receive one or more casino chips, the chip enclosure being secured to prevent unauthorized access to the casino chips.

[0054] The device may include a funds transfer unit operable to receive funds from a user, the funds being provided in one of a cash deposit, a card-based deposit using a credit or debit card, or a device-based deposit using an electronic device associated with the user.

[0055] The device may include a funds transfer unit operable to receive funds related to game outcomes and, following completion of the user's participation in the game, electronically transfer the received funds to an account associated with the user.

[0056] The device may further include a device for handling casino chips.

[0057] The at least one output unit may include at least one touch-sensitive element operable to interact with a touch-sensitive input surface.

[0058] The device may include a cash dispensing unit.

[0059] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for facilitating remote participation in a card game is provided, the device comprising: a lower wall and at least one side wall extending between the lower wall and a top end of the device, the lower wall and each side wall being substantially opaque; an upper wall member proximate the top end of the device, the upper wall member being substantially transparent and having an inner side facing the lower wall and an outer side opposite the inner side; and a camera arranged facing the inner side of the upper wall, the camera operable to capture images of an object positioned on the outer side of the upper wall.

[0060] The upper wall member may be recessed below the top edge of the device.

[0061] The upper wall member can include a gap section sized to allow a finger to pass therethrough, and the gap section can be arranged to facilitate removal of an object placed on the upper wall member.

[0062] At least one sidewall portion can include a cut-out section aligned with the void section, and the portion can include a movable sidewall section movable to close the cut-out section.

[0063] The enclosure may be substantially rectangular.

[0064] The upper wall member may be shaped to receive at least two adjacent playing cards.

[0065] The upper wall member may be shaped to receive at least five adjacent playing cards.

[0066] The device may be mounted on a movable base.

[0067] The device may be mounted on a movable arm extending from a movable base.

[0068] The device can include a processor and a communications interface, and the processor can be configured to acquire images from the camera and transmit the images via the communications interface to a remote user device.

[0069] At least one side wall may include a slot shaped to receive a playing card, the slot being located between the upper wall member and the top end of the device.

[0070] The device may be included and provided by a game-specific interaction unit.

[0071] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for handling casino chips is provided, the device comprising: a chip receiving area sized to accommodate a plurality of casino chips, the chip receiving area extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and open at the second end; at least one sidewall extending from the first end to the second end, the at least one sidewall defining an outer periphery of the chip receiving area; and at least one movable member movable within the chip receiving area to selectively dispense casino chips from the chip receiving area.

[0072] The chip receiving area may be a cylindrical channel.

[0073] The at least one movable member can include an ejection member that is longitudinally movable within the tip receiving area from the first end toward the second end.

[0074] The at least one movable member may include a movable sidewall member, the movable sidewall member movable outwardly away from the chip receiving area.

[0075] The device may include a plurality of inwardly extending projections, each projection extending inwardly from a given one of the at least one sidewall member into the chip receiving area.

[0076] The protrusions may be longitudinally spaced apart from longitudinally adjacent protrusions by a distance approximately equal to the height of one casino chip.

[0077] The protrusion may be retractable

[0078] The protrusion may be controllably retractable.

[0079] The plurality of protrusions may include a plurality of aligned groups of protrusions, each protrusion within the aligned group of protrusions being aligned longitudinally, each group of protrusions reducing the perimeter of the chip receiving area to less than the width of a casino chip.

[0080] At least one sidewall member may be arranged to define a perimeter of the chip receiving area that is greater than the width of the casino chips.

[0081] The chip receiving area may include a cylindrical channel.

[0082] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for enabling participation in a casino game is provided, the device comprising: a device body including a controller and a memory; a display coupled to the controller, the display operable to display a bet value associated with the casino game; and a user input interface coupled to the controller, the user input operable to receive user bet inputs, the controller configured to adjust the bet value in response to one or more bet inputs received by the user input interface.

[0083] The device body may be substantially cylindrical.

[0084] The device body can be shaped to accommodate standard casino chips.

[0085] The user input interface may include at least two buttons, the at least two buttons including a bet increase button and a bet decrease button, and the controller is operable to adjust the bet value by a predefined amount in response to a bet input received at any one of the at least two buttons.

[0086] The device may include a wireless communication module, the device operable to communicate wirelessly with a remote server that stores user account data.

[0087] The memory may store an available bet amount, and the controller may be operable to adjust the bet value to a defined maximum bet amount based on the available bet amount.

[0088] The device may include a biometric identification system, the biometric identification system operable to authenticate a particular user, and the controller configured to prevent the bet value from being adjusted prior to authentication of the particular user.

[0089] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the devices, systems, or methods disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the features contained herein, which features may be used in any specific combination or subcombination.

[0090] These and other aspects and features of various embodiments are described in greater detail below.

[0091] The drawings included herewith are intended to illustrate various examples of the articles, methods, and apparatus herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0092] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for enabling remote participation in an in-person game. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary proxy device, user device, and server that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for enabling remote participation in an in-person game. [Figure 4A]FIG. 10 is an exemplary perspective view of a proxy device participating in an in-person casino game. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is another exemplary perspective view of a proxy device participating in the in-person casino game of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B is another exemplary perspective view of a proxy device participating in the in-person casino game of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary device for handling casino chips that may be used with an exemplary proxy device. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary device for handling casino chips that may be used with the exemplary proxy device. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a top view of an exemplary proxy device participating in another exemplary in-person casino game. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a top view of another exemplary proxy device participating in another exemplary in-person casino game. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary proxy device participating in another exemplary in-person casino game. [Figure 8A] 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary device for facilitating participation in a card game that may be used in conjunction with an exemplary proxy device. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a top perspective view of the device of FIG. 8A with a playing card placed on the upper surface of the device. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8B is a side view of the device of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary user device that may be used to participate in a live in-person game. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a partial top view of an exemplary gaming table with players participating in casino games using exemplary electronic chips. [Figure 11] 1 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary gaming table in which a proxy device is participating in a casino game using exemplary electronic chips. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic chip control unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary electronic chip and another exemplary chip control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0093] The drawings included with this specification are intended to illustrate various examples of the systems, methods, and apparatus of the teachings herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way.

[0094] Various devices, processes, or compositions are described below to provide an illustration of one embodiment of the claimed subject matter. The embodiments described below do not limit any claim, and any claim may encompass processes, devices, or compositions different from those described below. The claims are not limited to devices, processes, or compositions having all of the features of any one device, process, or composition described below, or to features common to several or all of the devices, processes, or compositions described below. It is possible that the devices, processes, or compositions described below are not examples of the exclusivity granted by the issuance of this patent application. Any subject matter described below that is not exclusivity granted by the issuance of this patent application may be the subject of another protective document, e.g., a continuing patent application, and the applicant, inventor, or owner does not intend to discard, abandon, or make available to the public any such subject matter by its disclosure herein.

[0095] For brevity and clarity of description, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter described herein. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the subject matter described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the subject matter described herein. The description should not be considered to limit the scope of the subject matter described herein.

[0096] The terms "coupled" or "coupling," as used herein, can have several different meanings depending on the context in which the terms are used. For example, the terms coupled or coupling can have mechanical, electrical, or communication connotations. For example, the terms coupled or coupling, as used herein, can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to each other or are connected to each other via electrical elements, electrical signals, or mechanical elements through one or more intermediate elements or devices, depending on the particular context. Furthermore, the term "communicative coupling" can be used to indicate that an element or device can send data to and receive data from another element or device electrically, optically, or wirelessly.

[0097] As used herein, the term "and / or" is intended to represent an inclusive or. That is, "X and / or Y" shall mean, for example, X or Y or both. By way of further illustration, "X, Y, and / or Z" shall mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the phrase "at least one of A and B" shall mean A only, B only, or a combination of A and B.

[0098] As used herein, terms of degree, such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately," refer to a reasonable amount of deviation from the modified term such that the end result is not significantly altered. These terms of degree may also be construed as including deviations from the modified term if such deviations do not negate the meaning of the term they modify.

[0099] The recitation of numerical ranges herein by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). It is also understood that all numbers and fractions thereof are modified by the term "approximately," which is presumed to mean a variation of the recited number by a certain amount where the ultimate result would not be significantly altered.

[0100] The systems, methods, and devices described herein may be implemented as a combination of hardware or software. In some cases, the systems, methods, and devices described herein may be implemented, at least in part, using one or more computer programs running on one or more programmable devices that include at least one processing element and data storage element (including volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements). These devices may also have at least one input device (e.g., a push-button keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, a foot-operated controller, etc.) and at least one output device (e.g., a display screen, a printer, a wireless radio, etc.), depending on the nature of the device.

[0101] Some elements used to implement at least portions of the systems, methods, and devices described herein may be implemented via software written in a high-level procedural language, such as object-oriented programming. Thus, program code may be written in any suitable programming language, such as Python or C. Alternatively or additionally, some of these elements implemented via software may be written in assembly language, machine language, or firmware, as appropriate. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language.

[0102] At least some of these software programs may be stored in a storage medium (e.g., but not limited to, a computer-readable medium such as a ROM, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.) or a device readable by a general-purpose or special-purpose programmable device, such that the software program code, when read by the programmable device, configures the programmable device to operate in a new, specific, and predefined manner to perform at least one of the methods described herein.

[0103] Furthermore, at least some of the programs associated with the systems and methods described herein may be capable of being distributed in a computer program product that includes a computer-readable medium bearing computer-usable instructions for one or more processors. The medium may be provided in various forms, including non-transitory forms such as, but not limited to, one or more diskettes, compact discs, tapes, chips, and magnetic and electronic storage devices. Alternatively, the medium may be transitory in nature, such as, but not limited to, wireline transmissions, satellite transmissions, Internet transmissions (e.g., downloads), media, digital and analog signals. The computer-usable instructions may also be in various formats, including compiled and non-compiled code.

[0104] Remote Gaming System 1, a block diagram of a remote gaming system 100 is provided. System 100 is an example of a networked system that enables users to remotely participate in live, in-person games taking place at a gaming venue / facility, such as a casino. System 100 enables remote users to participate in live games alongside users who are physically present at the gaming venue.

[0105] Enabling users to participate in live games remotely can help increase user engagement by providing many of the same experiences as in-person gaming at a gaming venue. Remote users can also minimize or avoid some of the less desirable aspects of in-person gaming, such as smoking, noise, contagious diseases, unpleasant interactions with other users, theft, and harassment. Remote users can further take advantage of the increased privacy and security that comes with participating in games from the safety and comfort of their own homes or other desired participation locations.

[0106] A remote gaming system 100 (also referred to as a proxy gaming system) generally includes multiple computers connected via a data communications network 140, which may itself be connected to the Internet. However, the computer network system generally includes one or more proxy devices 110A-110N (collectively referred to as proxy devices 110 and sometimes referred to as robot proxies or robot proxy devices), one or more user devices 120A-120N (collectively referred to as user devices 120 and sometimes referred to as player devices), and an administrator computer 130, connected via the network 140. In the illustrated exemplary system 100, the proxy device(s) 110 and the administrator computer 130 may collectively be referred to as an on-location gaming system.

[0107] Typically, the connection between the proxy device(s) 110, the administrator computer 130, and the Internet may be made through a firewall server (not shown). In some cases, there may be multiple links and / or firewalls between the proxy device(s) 110, the administrator computer 130, and the Internet. Some organizations may operate multiple networks 140 or virtual networks 140, which may be internetworked or separate. These have been omitted for ease of illustration, but it will be understood that the teachings herein may apply to such systems. The network 140 may be constructed from one or more computer networking technologies, such as IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet), IEEE 802.11, and similar technologies.

[0108] Computers and computing devices may be connected to network 140 or portions thereof via suitable network interfaces. Computing devices may also encompass any connected or "smart" device capable of data communication, such as refrigerators, thermostats, industrial equipment, etc. As more devices are networked through the "Internet of Things," this increasingly encompasses a wide variety of devices. In some cases, one or more of the computing devices, such as user device 120, may connect to network 140 via the Internet.

[0109] Proxy device 110 generally refers to a device or unit that is located or may be located at a gaming establishment where a live game is in progress. Proxy device 110 allows a user to participate in a live game even while the user is not present at the gaming establishment. Proxy device 110 may include various processing, memory, network, and input / output components to enable control of the operation of proxy device 110 to allow a remote user to participate in a game. Thus, proxy device 110 may act as a proxy for (e.g., on behalf of) a remote user and as a participant in a live casino game. An exemplary proxy device 110 is described in further detail herein below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0110] The proxy gaming system 100 enables users (and associated user devices 120) to participate in live games while in a different physical location than the location where the live game is in progress. Users can interact with their corresponding user devices 120 to control the operation of the proxy devices 110 to participate in the live game along with in-person participants. The proxy devices 110 can perform actions on behalf of remote users in response to control instructions received from the corresponding user devices 120. Users can input instructions into their user devices 120 to cause or instruct the proxy devices 110 to perform various actions related to the live game, such as placing bets, collecting winnings, and performing various game-specific actions (e.g., hit actions in blackjack, fold actions in poker, etc.). The user devices 120 can send instructions to the proxy devices 110 over the network 140. The actions that the proxy devices 110 can perform can vary depending on the implementation and / or the particular game in which the user is participating.

[0111] The proxy device 110 can also communicate with the user device 120 to provide feedback data related to the ongoing game, the gaming environment, and / or the gaming venue. The proxy device 110 can include one or more input devices usable to capture feedback data related to the game (e.g., game status, betting data, card data, etc.) and / or feedback data related to the gaming environment (e.g., the number of other players participating, audio and / or visual input from other players, input from the dealer, etc.) and / or feedback data related to the venue (e.g., audio and / or visual input from other games available, the venue, or other players present in the venue, etc.). The proxy device 110 can transmit the feedback data to the user device 120 over the network 140.

[0112] The proxy device 110 may also implement various physical and electronic security measures. For example, the proxy device 110 may be configured to establish a secure communication channel with the remote user device 120. This may help prevent unwanted intrusion by third parties. This may also ensure that the remote user can be authenticated as a user who is authorized to participate in the game (e.g., who meets age or other requirements for participation).

[0113] Optionally, the proxy device 110 may include a physical network connector (e.g., a network cable such as an Ethernet cable) that may be used to establish a corresponding wired connection at each gaming location to establish a physical connection between the proxy device 110 and the casino IT infrastructure. This may help prevent interference with communications between the proxy device 110 and the remote user devices 120.

[0114] The user devices 120 may be provided by one or more computers, such as a desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet computer, but may also include a wide variety of "smart" devices capable of data communication. Each user device 120 has a processor, volatile and non-volatile memory, at least one network interface, input devices such as a keyboard and trackpad, output devices such as a display and speakers, and various other input / output devices as will be appreciated. The user devices 120 may be portable and may be connected to the network 140 or portions thereof from time to time. The user devices 120 may connect to the network 140 via a wired or wireless network connection. The user devices 120 may also connect to the network 140 via the Internet.

[0115] The administrator server 130 is a computer server connected to the network 140. Like the computer 120, the server 130 has a processor, volatile and non-volatile memory, at least one network interface, and may have various other input / output devices. As with all of the devices shown in the computer network system 100, there may be multiple servers 130, although not all are shown. The proxy device 110, the user device 120, and the administrator server 130 are described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0116] Each of the computers and computing devices may occasionally connect to external computers or servers over the Internet. For example, proxy device 110 or user device 120 may connect to a software update server to obtain the latest version of a software application or firmware.

[0117] Server 130 may be configured to provide a remote gaming platform (also referred to as a proxy gaming platform). The remote gaming platform may be remotely accessible to user device 120 over network 140. For example, server 130 may provide a remote gaming platform that is accessible over the Internet by accessing a website associated with the gaming platform. A user may access the gaming platform by running a browsing application on user device 120 and navigating to the corresponding website.

[0118] The gaming platform may enable users to remotely participate in games being played in person at various locations, including casino locations. The gaming platform may enable users to remotely control proxy device 110 to participate in live in-person games while not physically present at the location where the in-person game is being played. Users can control the operation of proxy device 110 to participate in in-person games by interacting with the gaming platform through user device 120.

[0119] Alternatively or additionally, server 130 may provide a proxy gaming platform that is accessible through a proxy gaming application deployed on or otherwise operable by user device 120. A player may then operate the proxy gaming application on user device 120 to interact with the proxy gaming platform.

[0120] As used herein, the term "software application" or "application" refers to computer-executable instructions, particularly those stored in a non-transitory medium such as non-volatile memory and executed by a computer processor. When executing the instructions, the computer processor may receive input and send output to any of a variety of input or output devices to which the computer processor is coupled.

[0121] A software application may be associated with an application identifier that uniquely identifies the software application. In some cases, the application identifier may also identify the version and build of the software application. A software application may be recognized by name, both by those who use it and by those who supply or maintain it. A mobile application or "app" generally refers to a software application for installation and use on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets or other "smart" devices.

[0122] The proxy gaming system 100 may be configured to allow different users to interface with proxy devices 110. A user may establish a connection with a particular proxy device 110 through the system 100 to participate in an in-person game. For example, a user may log in to the proxy gaming platform interface through the user's user device 120.

[0123] Each user may have user account data associated with the proxy gaming platform, which may include various types of data corresponding to the user, such as user identification information (e.g., name, identification such as a driver's license or passport), user demographic data (e.g., age, location), and user financial data (e.g., savings account, associated bank accounts, and / or credit cards).

[0124] Each user may also have associated user authentication data that enables the user to access a corresponding account established on the proxy gaming platform. Examples of authentication data may include a user identifier (e.g., username) and a user password. The authentication data may also include biometric data associated with the user. The user biometric data may be used to verify the user's identity when accessing the user account.

[0125] The proxy gaming system 100 can also implement various user authentication methods to ensure that remote users are allowed to participate in live games. For example, the proxy gaming platform can include a live user authentication process to authenticate users in real time.

[0126] The live user authentication process may include a user authenticating themselves in real time using a video link. The live user authentication process may require a user to authenticate themselves using identification and / or biometric data associated with a user account. The live user authentication process may also require the user to establish the user's location in real time (e.g., through location data provided by or from user device 120) to ensure that the user is allowed to participate in a game (e.g., in accordance with laws or regulations related to the user's location and / or game location).

[0127] Optionally, the proxy gaming system 100 can continuously authenticate users while a game is in progress. The proxy gaming system 100 can be configured to require continuous user authentication to allow the user device 120 to continue to control the proxy device 110 to participate in the game. For example, the proxy gaming system 100 can require users to be authenticated at specified intervals or during each phase of a given game. This can ensure that users who are actively participating in the game are meeting gaming requirements while the game is in progress.

[0128] Each proxy device 110 can participate in games played at a particular venue. For example, a proxy device 110 can participate in live games played at a casino venue. To facilitate the participation of proxy devices, the casino venue can be configured to monitor the proxy devices in a manner similar to the monitoring of live players. The actions and wins / losses of the proxy devices 110 can be monitored by personnel at the casino venue and / or by electronic monitoring systems, such as video cameras, located within the venue. This can ensure that remote players and live players can trust the security and quality of the games being played.

[0129] The casino monitoring device can monitor and record bets and actions made by the proxy device 110, just as it would for an in-person player at a casino. This can allow for replay if a bet is disputed or when payment verification is required. This can also help the remote player maintain confidence that the in-person player is not tampering with the proxy device 110's participation in the live game.

[0130] 2, there is shown a block diagram of a proxy gaming system 200, according to one illustrative embodiment. In the illustrated example, the proxy gaming system 200 includes a proxy device 110, a user device 120, and a server 130.

[0131] The server 130 may be directly linked to the proxy device 110, for example, via a Universal Serial Bus, Bluetooth™, or Ethernet connection. Alternatively, the server 130 may be linked to the proxy device 110 via a network 140, or in some cases, the Internet. The server 130 may also be linked to the user device 120 via a network 140, or in some cases, the Internet.

[0132] The server 130 includes a processor 202, a memory 204, a communication interface 210, a display 212, and a database 208. Although shown as separate elements, it will be understood that the database 208 may be stored in the memory 204.

[0133] Processor 202 may be a computer processor, such as a general-purpose microprocessor, or in some other cases, may be a field programmable gate array, an application specific integrated circuit, a microcontroller, or other suitable computer processor.

[0134] The processor 202 is also coupled to a display 212, which is a suitable display for outputting information and data as required by various computer programs. In particular, the display 212 may display a graphical user interface (GUI). In some cases, the display 212 may be omitted from the server 130, for example, if the server 130 is configured to operate autonomously to support a proxy gaming platform. In such cases, the server 130 may be configurable using a computer, such as an administrator computing device (now shown) connected to the server 130. The server 130 may run an operating system, such as Windows Server, Mac OS X Server, GNU / Linux server operating system, or other suitable operating system.

[0135] The interface unit 210 may be any interface that allows the server 130 to communicate with other devices or computers. For example, the communication interface 210 may include one or more data network interfaces, such as an IEEE 802.3 or IEEE 802.11 interface, for communication over a network. The interface unit 210 may include at least one of a serial port, a parallel port, or a USB port to provide USB connectivity. Optionally, the communication interface 210 may include a wireless unit, such as a radio that communicates using CDMA, GSM, GPRS, or Bluetooth protocols according to a standard such as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n. The wireless unit may be used to communicate with other devices or computers, such as the administrator device 120 and / or the user device 130.

[0136] The processor 202 is coupled to the memory 204 via a computer data bus. The memory 204 may include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. The nonvolatile memory stores computer programs of computer-executable instructions that can be loaded into the volatile memory for execution by the processor 202 as needed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that references herein to the admin server 130 as performing a function or acting in a particular manner imply that the processor 202 is executing instructions (e.g., software programs) stored in the memory 204 and, in some cases, sending or receiving input and output via one or more interfaces. The memory 204 may also store data that is input to or output from the processor 202 in the course of executing the computer-executable instructions.

[0137] The memory 204 on the server 130 may store a software application referred to herein as an admin application 206. Although shown as a separate element, it will be understood that the admin application 206 may be stored in the memory 204.

[0138] The admin application 206 may be configured to support a proxy gaming platform accessible by player devices, such as the user device 120. The proxy gaming platform may include an interactive platform interface that allows a user to remotely interface with and control the proxy devices 110 at gaming locations. A user may interact with the platform interface using the user device 120 to view available proxy devices 110, select a particular proxy device for play, and participate in proxy gaming through the selected proxy device. An exemplary process for joining a live game that may be implemented using the admin application 206 is described in further detail herein below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0139] The platform interface may also provide additional account-based functionality for users. For example, the platform interface may enable users to establish personalized accounts to participate in casino games and withdraw winnings, add and remove monetary value, and interact with other players (including live players and other proxy players). Optionally, user account data may be stored by the admin server 130 using database 208.

[0140] The admin application 206 may also include user authorization and user authentication features to ensure that users are authorized and authenticated before participating in proxy gaming activities. The admin application 206 may also include various security features to prevent unauthorized access to the proxy device 110 and / or user account details. For example, various encryption techniques may be used to ensure that user account details stored in the database 208 are stored in a cryptographically secure manner.

[0141] It should be understood that the admin application 206 is presented primarily for ease of explanation, and that the features and operations described in connection with the server 130 and / or the admin application 206 may be implemented using multiple software applications. Similarly, the features and operations described in connection with the admin server 130 may be distributed across multiple admin servers and / or other admin processors.

[0142] As mentioned above, memory 204 may also store database 208. In some exemplary embodiments, database 208 is a relational database. In other embodiments, database 208 may be a non-relational database, such as a key-value database, a NoSQL database, or the like.

[0143] The database 208 may store a user database. The user database may include multiple user records. Each user record may be associated with a particular user of the proxy gaming platform. The user record may include user account data associated with the user. The user record may also include various user activity data associated with the user's activity on the proxy gaming platform. For example, the user activity data may include historical data related to the user's participation in games through the proxy gaming platform, the user's historical performance, etc.

[0144] The database 208 may also include venue data. The venue data may include multiple venue records. Each venue record may be associated with a particular venue that is remotely accessible through the proxy gaming platform. The venue data within a given venue record may include various types of data associated with a particular venue, such as name, location, available game types, number of available seats, venue-specific rules or regulations, etc.

[0145] The database 208 may also include proxy device data. The proxy device data may include data related to multiple proxy devices accessible through the proxy gaming platform. For a given proxy device, the proxy device data may include associated venue data (e.g., one or more venues where the proxy device may be used), current availability status (e.g., whether the proxy device is currently in use or can be accessed by new users), compatible game types (e.g., types of games the proxy device may be used to participate in), etc.

[0146] The database 208 may also include game data. The game data may include data relating to multiple live, in-person games that have been played, are in progress, or will be played in the future. For a given game, the game data may include the type of game, whether seats are available for users to participate in the game, game timing, game results, etc.

[0147] Optionally, server 130 (or components thereof) may be specific to a particular gaming venue, which may provide the gaming venue operator with increased control over the participation of remote users in games ongoing at the gaming venue.

[0148] In such cases, server 200 may be coupled only to proxy device 110 located at that gaming venue. Optionally, server 200 (or components thereof) may communicate with proxy device 110 using a secure internal network at the gaming venue. This may provide enhanced security for actions performed by proxy device 110 at that venue.

[0149] Alternatively or additionally, server 200 may be located outside of a given gaming venue. Optionally, server 200 may be configured to communicate with multiple gaming venues and with proxy devices 110 that are located or capable of being located at multiple gaming venues. This may provide remote users with increased choices of gaming venues, games, and proxy devices with which they participate.

[0150] Optionally, server 200 may include components both external and internal to one or more gaming venues, which can provide increased choice and variability to remote users while also allowing gaming venue operators to have greater control over remote user participation at their venues.

[0151] User device 120 is generally a computing device usable by a player. For example, user device 120 may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a mobile computer such as a smartphone or tablet, or other "smart" device that may be networked through the "Internet of Things." An exemplary user device 120 is shown in FIG. 9 in the form of a tablet 900.

[0152] User device 120 includes a processor 242, a communications interface 248 for communicating data with communications interfaces 210 and 228, a display 254 for displaying the proxy gaming platform GUI, and memory 244, which may include both volatile and non-volatile elements. Display device 254 may include any type of device for presenting visual information. For example, display 254 may be a cathode ray tube, flat screen monitor, or the like if user device 120 is a desktop computer. In other cases, display 254 may be a display suitable for a laptop, tablet, or handheld device, such as an LCD-based display.

[0153] The user device 120 also includes at least one input device 252 (e.g., a pushbutton keyboard, a mouse, a camera, a touchscreen, a biometric reader, a microphone, etc.) and may include at least one output device 250 (e.g., a printer, a wireless radio, a speaker, etc.). As with the server 130, references to acts or functions by the user device 120 imply that the processor 242 is executing computer-executable instructions (e.g., a software program) stored in the memory 244.

[0154] For example, a proxy gaming application 246 may be stored on the user device 120. Although shown separate from the memory 244, it will be understood that the proxy gaming application 246 may be stored in the memory 244. The proxy gaming application 246 may communicate with a proxy gaming platform provided by the admin application 206 of the admin server 130 to enable a user to remotely control the proxy device 110 and participate in gaming activities.

[0155] Optionally, the proxy gaming application 246 may be a dedicated application, such as a downloadable mobile application, provided by the admin server 130. A user of the user device 120 may download the proxy gaming application 246 from the admin server 130 or through an app store, such as the Apple App Store or Google Play. Alternatively, the proxy gaming application 246 may be a web browser application on the user device 120 that may be used to navigate to a website that hosts a proxy gaming platform interface.

[0156] A user may interact with the proxy gaming platform GUI presented through a browser application or a dedicated application. An exemplary process for participating in gaming activities through a proxy device using the proxy gaming application 246 is described in further detail herein below with reference to FIG.

[0157] Proxy device 110 includes a computer similar to user device 120 and server 130. Proxy device 110 has a processor 222, a communication interface 228 for data communication with communication interfaces 210 and 248, a display 234, and memory 224, which may include both volatile and non-volatile elements.

[0158] The proxy device 110 also includes at least one input device 232 (e.g., a push-button keyboard, a mouse, a camera, a microphone, a touchscreen, a biometric reader, etc.) and may include at least one output device 230 (e.g., a printer, a wireless radio, a speaker, etc.). As with the admin server 130 and the user device 120, references to acts or functions by the proxy device 110 imply that the processor 222 is executing computer-executable instructions (e.g., a software program) stored in the memory 224.

[0159] A proxy application 226 may be stored on the proxy device 110. While shown separate from the memory 224, it will be understood that the proxy application 226 may be stored in the memory 224. The proxy application 226 may communicate with the admin application 206 on the admin server 130 to provide updated proxy device data to the admin application, configure the proxy device 110, establish a communication link with the user device 120, and provide feedback data related to the operation of the proxy device 110.

[0160] Optionally, the proxy application 226 may be configured to communicate with the admin server 130 over a local private network (e.g., if the admin server 130 is located at a venue location). This may provide improved security for communications between the proxy device 110 and the admin server 130. Optionally, the proxy device 110 and the admin server 130 may communicate using a hardwired connection (e.g., an Ethernet connection) to further reduce the likelihood that communications will be intercepted by a third party.

[0161] The proxy application 226 may also communicate with the proxy gaming application 246 of the user device 120 to configure the proxy device to participate in an in-person game and provide feedback to the user device 120. An example process of using a proxy device to participate in an in-person game that may be implemented using the proxy application 226 is described in further detail herein below with reference to FIG.

[0162] Generally, proxy device 110 may be configured to participate (as a proxy for a user of user device 120) in in-person gaming activities, such as casino games such as blackjack, poker (e.g., see FIGS. 6A-6B), roulette (e.g., see FIGS. 4A-4C), slots (e.g., see FIG. 7), etc. Proxy device 110 may be provided in a variety of forms, including mobile and stationary proxy devices, as well as adaptable proxy devices. The physical structure of proxy device 110, including optional modifications and adaptations, is described in further detail herein below.

[0163] Proxy device 110, user device 120, and administrator server 130 may have various additional components not shown in Figure 2. For example, additional input or output devices (e.g., keyboards, pointing devices, etc.) may be included other than those shown in Figure 2.

[0164] In the following description, devices such as proxy device 110, user device 120, and / or server 130 are described that perform certain actions. It will be appreciated that any one or more of these devices may perform actions automatically or in response to interaction by a user of that device. For example, a user of device 120 may manipulate one or more input devices 252 (e.g., a touchscreen, mouse, or buttons) that cause device 120 to perform the described actions. In many cases, this aspect may not be described below, but it will be understood that.

[0165] 3, there is shown a flowchart of an example process 300 for providing proxy gaming for in-person gaming activities. Process 300 is an example proxy gaming process that may be implemented by system 100 and / or system 200.

[0166] Generally, process 300 may be implemented using at least one proxy device 110 accessible to user devices 120, for example, through a proxy gaming platform. One or more servers (e.g., server(s) 130) may be configured to provide the proxy gaming platform. The one or more servers may be communicatively coupled to both the proxy device 110 and the remote user devices 120. The proxy device 110 may be located at a venue location (e.g., a casino) where in-person gaming activity is ongoing.

[0167] Optionally, proxy device 110 may be a venue-specific proxy device associated with a particular venue, which may be capable of enabling a user to participate in an in-person game at a single particular venue.

[0168] Alternatively, proxy device 110 may be a transportable proxy device that can be transported between different venues, allowing a user to participate in in-person games at multiple venue locations.

[0169] At 310, a request may be received from a user device. A user operating the user device may transmit a request to participate in an in-person game at a venue location (e.g., a casino). The request may be transmitted to the proxy device 110, for example, via a proxy gaming platform. The request may include a user request to use the proxy device to participate in the in-person game.

[0170] A user can initiate a request in a variety of ways. For example, a user can enter a request into the proxy gaming platform through a proxy gaming application 246 on the user's device 120. The request can include request data that can be used by the proxy gaming platform to establish a gaming session between the user device 120 and a particular proxy device 110.

[0171] Optionally, the request data may specify a particular proxy device 110 that the user is requesting to use for the gaming session. For example, the user may have a preferred proxy device (e.g., a "lucky" proxy device) that the user wants to use. The user can then include the requested proxy identifier in the request data sent to the platform. Optionally, the user may define a nickname for the user's preferred proxy device within the proxy gaming platform to allow the user to easily request the preferred proxy device.

[0172] Alternatively, the user may allow the proxy gaming platform to select a proxy device from among the available proxy devices connected to it. The proxy gaming platform may select a proxy device in various ways, such as randomly or based on metrics such as device popularity, device location, device proximity to the user device, available game types at the device location, etc.

[0173] Optionally, the request data may specify a particular venue at which the user wishes to participate in a game through the proxy device 110. The user may then include the requested venue identifier in the request data sent to the platform.

[0174] Alternatively, a user may allow the proxy gaming platform to select a venue from among available venues connected to it. The proxy gaming platform may select a venue in various ways, such as randomly or based on metrics such as availability, popularity, proximity, available game types, etc.

[0175] Optionally, the request data may further specify a particular location within the venue where the user wishes to participate in the gaming activity (e.g., a preferred table or a preferred slot).

[0176] Alternatively, a user may allow the proxy gaming platform to select a location from among available locations connected to it. The proxy gaming platform may select a location in various ways, such as randomly or based on metrics such as availability, popularity, proximity, game type, etc.

[0177] Optionally, the request data may specify a particular game type that the user wishes to participate in through the proxy device 110. The user can then include the requested game type in the request data sent to the platform.

[0178] Alternatively, a user may allow the proxy gaming platform to select a game type from among the available locations connected to it. The proxy gaming platform may select a game type in various ways, such as randomly or based on metrics such as availability, popularity, proximity, or user play history.

[0179] The proxy gaming platform may establish a match between a user device 120 and a corresponding proxy device 110 based on the request data and data associated with the proxy device, venue, and game accessible through the platform. For example, the proxy gaming platform may use venue data, proxy device data, and game data stored in the database 208 to establish a match between the requesting user device 120 and the corresponding proxy device 110.

[0180] Once a match is established between the requesting user device 120 and the corresponding proxy device 110, a gaming session may be established. The gaming session may allow the user to participate in one or more live in-person games remotely through the corresponding proxy device 110.

[0181] In some cases, the proxy gaming platform may not be able to establish an exact match for the requested data. For example, if a user requests a specific proxy device, a specific venue, or a specific game location within a venue, the proxy gaming platform may not be able to establish an exact match if the requested device / venue / game location is not available. In such cases, the proxy gaming platform may offer the user alternative proxy gaming options that are available.

[0182] Optionally, the request data may include a request to reserve a proxy device 110 for a specific date and / or time, which may allow a user to ensure that their desired device / venue / game location is available when they plan to attend a live in-person game.

[0183] Optionally, a user may specify a game type and / or desired device and / or venue and / or game location and / or seat combination. If the user-specified combination is not currently available, the proxy gaming platform may monitor availability and send a user prompt to the user device indicating that the user's desired combination is currently available.

[0184] The request data may be entered by the user into the user device 120. Optionally, the proxy gaming platform may generate a session initiation user interface that can be used to initiate a gaming session. The session initiation user interface may provide the user with available gaming sessions, including the current availability status of a particular proxy device and / or venue and / or game type and / or game location within the venue. The user may then generate the request data by selecting from the available gaming sessions.

[0185] The session initiation user interface may display to the user all available gaming sessions, including sessions at all venues coupled to the proxy gaming platform. Alternatively, the session initiation user interface may display to the user available gaming sessions in a subset of venues (e.g., one or more selected venues).

[0186] In response to the request, a gaming session may be established between the user device 120 and the proxy device 110. Once the gaming session is established, the user may provide control input to the proxy device 110 via the user's user device 120. The user device 120 may also receive feedback data from the proxy device 110 while the gaming session is in progress.

[0187] A gaming session may establish a communication link between the user device 120 and the proxy device 110 in various ways. Optionally, a direct communication link between the user device 120 and the proxy device 110 may be established for use during a gaming session. This may allow data to be transmitted directly between the user device 120 and the proxy device 110. Alternatively, or additionally, data may be transmitted between the user device 120 and the proxy device 110 via one or more servers operating a proxy gaming platform.

[0188] Optionally, the proxy gaming platform may implement one or more user authentication and / or user authorization procedures prior to establishing a gaming session. For example, a user may be required to log into an account with the proxy gaming platform before being able to establish a gaming session (e.g., even before submitting a request). The user may provide user authentication data (e.g., username and password, biometric data) to access the user's account.

[0189] Optionally, the proxy gaming platform may perform live user authentication to ensure that the user submitting the request is actually the user associated with a given account. For example, the proxy gaming platform may establish a live video connection with the user device 120 to authenticate the user in real time. The live video connection may allow venue personnel (e.g., pit bosses, floor supervisors, etc.) to actively verify the user in a manner similar to verifying that a live player is allowed to play. Alternatively or additionally, the user may be verified using automated user verification methods.

[0190] Optionally, the proxy gaming platform may implement various user authorization procedures to ensure that users are allowed to participate in requested games and / or at requested venues. For example, a user's demographic data may be evaluated to ensure that the user is old enough to participate in casino games at the venue location. User account data may also be evaluated to ensure that the user has not submitted self-exclusion data (or venue exclusion data) that would prevent the user from participating in the requested activity.

[0191] The user's current location may also be evaluated to determine whether the user is allowed to participate in the requested activity from the user's current location, for example, user location data from user device 120 (e.g., global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data, device IP address, Google Location Services data, Apple Location Services data, etc.).

[0192] Once a gaming session is established, the user may control a proxy device linked to the user's user device to participate in live games at a particular venue. In some cases, the user may control movement of the proxy device to a given venue and / or gaming location to begin participating in a particular game.

[0193] Alternatively, a proxy device may be associated with a given venue and / or gaming location, in which case a user may effectively begin participating in live games immediately after establishing a gaming session.

[0194] Once the proxy device begins participating in the live game, method 300 may transition to steps 320-360. Steps 320-360 may be repeated (e.g., multiple times, continually) as the proxy device continues to participate in the live game and when the proxy device participates in other games for the same or other users.

[0195] Optionally, the proxy gaming platform may perform and / or repeat user authentication steps while a gaming session is in progress. For example, the proxy gaming platform may continually authenticate a user (e.g., at regular intervals, during breaks in play, etc.) to allow the user to continue participating in a game. The proxy gaming platform may terminate or suspend a gaming session if the user cannot be authenticated while the gaming session is in progress. This may ensure that participation in a game is limited to the game's initially authenticated user (e.g., to prevent unauthorized users from joining the game by having another authorized user perform the initial authentication).

[0196] At 320, the proxy device can transmit game data to the user device. The game data can include various types of data (e.g., audio, visual, signal data, and processed forms thereof) that represent or reflect the state of the game as the game is being played. The game data can be used by the remote user device to generate status output that represents the state of the game.

[0197] Generally, a proxy device may be configured to obtain game data relating to the status of a game, which the proxy device may then transmit to a user device (directly and / or via one or more servers operating a proxy gaming platform).

[0198] For example, the game data may be used by the user device to present a user interface that includes an indication of the current status of a game that the linked proxy device is participating in. The game data may also be used by the user device to provide the user with available control inputs that can be selected for the proxy device in light of the current status of the game.

[0199] An exemplary user interface is shown in Figure 9 on a tablet 900. As shown in the illustrative tablet 900, the user interface can display the current game status and a virtual layout of the game table to the user. The user interface can also provide real-time video and / or audio data, such as a live video feed of a roulette wheel, shown on the left side of the tablet 900.

[0200] Optionally, a user may establish a gaming session through tablet 900. When establishing a gaming session, the user may enter user identifier data that can be used to identify the user. The user identifier data may be used to ensure that bets placed using tablet 900, and any associated payments, can be associated with that user. For example, the user identifier data may be included as part of user authentication data associated with a user account established on the proxy gaming platform.

[0201] As shown, the user interface may also provide control inputs that allow a user to select a bet to be made for a game in progress at the roulette table. The user interface may also provide game and game-related data (e.g., no more bets, ball out, etc.), proxy status data (e.g., proxy on / off, auto bet on / off), and the user's current buy-in amount and game table location. Clearly, the user interface shown in FIG. 9 is merely illustrative, and different user interface configurations and / or data may be used in accordance with the disclosure herein. The user device may also allow a user to input value, for example, through an established user account and / or by directly depositing value through a debit or credit transaction.

[0202] The proxy device may be configured to acquire game data using one or more data acquisition input devices. For example, the proxy device may acquire game data using a video input device (e.g., a camera) and / or an audio input device (e.g., a microphone). In some cases, the proxy device and / or the proxy gaming platform and / or the user device may analyze the acquired audio data and / or video data and / or signal data to detect game data. The game data may then be separated from other data acquired by the proxy device, such as environmental data.

[0203] Optionally, the proxy device may also be configured to acquire other game-related data, for example, signal data from game-related devices such as slot machines and / or signaling devices associated with a given game and / or used by a dealer.

[0204] In some cases, game data may include user-specific data that is not available (e.g., invisible) to any other players participating in the game. For example, if a user is participating remotely in a poker game, game data may include user-specific data in the form of user card data that indicates the cards in the user's hand.

[0205] The game data may also include participant wagering data related to the game. The participant wagering data may include live player wagering data for one or more live players participating in the game live at a venue location. The participant wagering data may include remote player wagering data for one or more remote players participating in the game live remotely via a proxy device.

[0206] Game data may also include dealer data (also referred to as croupier data), which represents data associated with the dealer or croupier for a given table game. Dealer data may include instruction data relating to instructions issued or provided by a dealer in a casino game.

[0207] Optionally, the proxy device may be configured to identify designated actions performed by a dealer of a game. The proxy device, the proxy gaming platform, and / or the user device may be configured to analyze actions performed by the dealer (e.g., through audio, visual, and / or other data captured by the proxy device) to identify the designated actions. The proxy device may be configured to generate dealer data in response to identifying the designated actions.

[0208] For example, the dealer may implement a designated action (e.g., a "no more bets" or "stop bets" instruction) indicating that no further bets may be placed for the game. The proxy gaming platform may be configured to prevent the remote user from submitting further bets in response to identifying the no more bets instruction.

[0209] The specified action may be identified in various ways. For example, the specified action may be detected based on processing of audio and / or video data captured by the proxy device. In a casino game such as roulette, the dealer may perform a predefined action (e.g., wave their hand on the table) and / or issue a verbal command (e.g., say a signal phrase such as "no more bets"). The video and / or audio data captured by the proxy device may be processed to detect standard actions and / or verbal commands.

[0210] Optionally, the gaming table location may also include one or more table input devices usable to monitor game data. For example, the gaming table location may include one or more video input devices (e.g., see camera 409 shown in FIG. 4B) and / or audio input devices (e.g., see microphone 407) shown in FIG. 4B. Data acquired by the table input device(s) may also be used to detect specified actions. The table input devices may also include manual dealer inputs, such as buttons 408 shown in FIG. 4B. The dealer input buttons 408 may include game status buttons that allow the dealer to directly indicate game status data, such as a "no more bets" button, a "balls out" button, a pay button, etc.

[0211] Optionally, the acquired data may be processed to detect combinations of standard actions and verbal commands to detect specified actions, which may be particularly desirable in busy or noisy venue situations, such as casinos, to ensure that actions are correctly identified.

[0212] Optionally, voice data from venue personnel may be captured and stored by the proxy gaming platform. The voice data may be used to identify verbal commands from specific venue personnel to ensure that the proxy device is responding to commands from the venue personnel and not other participants or individuals at the gaming location. The voice data may be stored in a voice recognition database accessible to the proxy device and / or the proxy gaming platform.

[0213] Optionally, the specified action may be identified based (at least in part) on signaling data from a device used by or associated with the dealer. For example, the dealer may have a signaling device with an input (e.g., a push button) that the dealer can engage to initiate the specified action.

[0214] Alternatively or additionally, the signaling device may generate the designated action signal without requiring the dealer to intentionally activate the signaling device. For example, the signaling device may be integrated into an accessory worn by the dealer (e.g., a wristband or watch similar to the wristband 465 worn by the proxy device 110 as shown in the example of FIG. 4C). The signaling device may include an inertial measurement unit operable to monitor the dealer's arm, hand, or wrist movements. The inertial measurement data may be analyzed to detect movements consistent with the designated action. The analyzed inertial measurement data may be used alone or in combination with other data to detect the designated action.

[0215] Alternatively or additionally, the signaling device may incorporate other data input devices, such as a microphone, which may facilitate detecting verbal commands from the dealer, particularly within noisy gaming venue conditions.

[0216] Optionally, at 330, the proxy device can transmit environmental data to the user device. The environmental data can include various types of data related to the venue and venue environment surrounding the game the proxy device is participating in. For example, the environmental data can include audio and visual data captured from the vicinity of the proxy device.

[0217] As described above, the proxy device may include various input devices that can be used to acquire audio and / or visual and / or other data. The proxy device may be configured to use the input devices to acquire environmental data related to the game's environment (e.g., the environment around the game and within the venue). The proxy device may then transmit the environmental data to the user device (directly and / or via one or more servers operating the proxy gaming platform). The environmental data may be used by the remote user device to generate environmental outputs that represent the environment around the live in-person game. For example, the environmental data may be used to generate a user interface that provides the user with audio and / or visual outputs that reflect the environment around the live in-person game.

[0218] Generally, the environmental data and game data may be used to generate an interactive user interface that enables remote users to participate in a live, in-person game. The specific format of the user interface may vary depending on the implementation and / or user device. For example, the user interface may take the form of a display screen presented on a user device, such as a desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet device.

[0219] Alternatively, the game data and environmental data captured by the proxy device may be used to generate a virtual reality environment for the remote user, which may further enhance user engagement in live in-person games while allowing the user to participate from a location of their choice.

[0220] Optionally, the proxy gaming application 246 may allow the remote user to omit (e.g., mute) at least some of the environmental data captured by the proxy device from the interface provided by the remote user device. This may allow the remote user to participate in a live in-person game with minimal interruptions or distractions. When participating in-person at a gaming venue, it is generally not possible to minimize unnecessary environmental input (e.g., uninvited other talking players, hecklers, amateur players) that may be distracting and / or detract from the user's enjoyment of the game.

[0221] The proxy device may be configured to continue operating in a live in-person game despite a user minimizing or muting environmental input, i.e., the proxy device may continue to conduct the same interaction with a given in-person game while a remote user deactivates one or more of the audio and / or visual feeds from the proxy device.

[0222] Optionally, the proxy device may not provide an indication that the remote user has muted the ambient data. Alternatively, the proxy device may provide an indicator (e.g., a light or other visual signal) that the proxy device is operating in silent mode. This may indicate to the live participants that the remote user cannot hear them and may help prevent frustration from live participants who might otherwise attempt to engage with the remote user through the proxy device.

[0223] The remote user may also deactivate audio and / or video communication from the user device to the proxy device, e.g., the remote user may participate in an in-person game without maintaining a live video feed and / or a live audio feed (or at least without the proxy device outputting a video and / or audio feed).

[0224] At 340, the proxy device can receive control data from the user device. The proxy device can participate in the in-person game in response to the control data. The remote user can define the control data through a user interface in the proxy gaming application 226.

[0225] The control data may be defined to instruct the proxy device to perform one or more actions. The actions may include game-related actions that the proxy device may perform on behalf of the remote user. The proxy device may perform the game-related actions to participate in an in-person game on behalf of the remote user. For example, in response to the control data, the proxy device may perform one or both of optional steps 350 and 360.

[0226] The particular control data and actions performed by the proxy device may vary depending on the type of game in which the proxy device is participating and / or the current game state of the game (e.g., as determined from the game data received at 320). The proxy gaming application 226 may be configured to present an interactive user interface to the remote user indicating currently available actions that may be performed by the proxy gaming application.

[0227] Optionally, the control data may also include non-game-related control data. For example, the control data may include game selection data (e.g., a particular table or a particular slot machine) indicating that the user desires to participate in a particular game type and / or a particular game of a particular game type. The proxy device may then perform the actions necessary to participate in the game selected by the game selection data (e.g., traveling to a corresponding gaming location within the venue, interacting with a gaming device or dealer to begin participation in the game, etc.).

[0228] Optionally, the non-game-related control data may include environmental output data defined by the remote user. For example, the environmental output data may include audio or visual communication data from the remote user to other participants in the game (including live participants) (i.e., allowing the user to speak to and / or visually communicate with other players). This may allow the remote user to communicate with those other players to further enhance the user's experience while participating remotely.

[0229] The environmental output data may also include user representation data that can be used by the proxy device to provide a representation of a user participating in a game. For example, the proxy device may display a user representation while a game is in progress. Optionally, the user representation may be defined based on video data showing the user that is acquired from the user device while the game is in progress. For example, the user representation may be a live video stream captured by a remote user device that shows the user while the game is in progress.

[0230] Optionally, the user representation may be generated as an avatar representing the user. The avatar may be configured to act in a typical manner in response to game control data provided by a remote user device. Alternatively or additionally, the avatar may be defined based at least in part on video data depicting the user that is acquired from the user device while the game is in progress (e.g., similar to a Bitmoji avatar).

[0231] Optionally, at 350, the proxy device may place a bet in response to the control data received at 340. The control data may include bet data related to an in-person game in which the proxy device is participating. The proxy device may then place a bet on the game based on the received bet data. The specific size, type, and timing of the bet may vary depending on the game type and current game status, as well as the remote user's desired betting strategy or desired bet.

[0232] Optionally, the robot proxy may be configured to allow multiple remote participants to participate in a casino game using the same robot proxy, which may allow multiple secondary remote participants to join the play of a primary remote participant.

[0233] The proxy gaming platform may receive additional betting data from additional remote user devices, where the additional remote user devices correspond to additional users. The additional betting data may be transmitted to the proxy device. The proxy device may then place additional piggyback bets on the game in response to the additional betting data. This may allow the additional users to participate in the game by piggybacking on the participation of the remote user devices.

[0234] Alternatively, a robot proxy device may be limited to a single remote participant, for example, some game types may only be suitable for a single participant.

[0235] The proxy gaming platform may also allow users to define automated betting rules for their proxy devices. This may allow users to continue participating in live games even while they are not actively using their user devices (e.g., while in transit between the venue and a different location). For example, a user may define automated betting data through their user device. The automated betting data may include defined betting rules that may be implemented by the proxy device on behalf of the remote user.

[0236] The auto-bet data may be transmitted from the user device to the proxy device (e.g., directly and / or via one or more servers providing a proxy gaming platform). The proxy device may be configured to place multiple automated bets in casino games in response to the auto-bet data. The automated bets may be defined according to a user-specified set of betting rules in the absence of additional instructions (e.g., in the absence of the user intervening to remove or adjust the auto-bet rules). The nature of the auto-bet data and associated betting rules may vary depending on the type of game in which the proxy device is participating.

[0237] Optionally, automatic betting data may be implemented as a prerequisite for a user to reserve a proxy device. For example, a user may be required to define betting rules that can be implemented by the proxy device when reserving the proxy device for a specified time. This can ensure that the proxy device is actively engaged in game play at the specified time, even if the remote player is not present on the remote player's user device at that exact time. This may encourage venues such as casinos to allow users to reserve proxy devices by ensuring that bets will be placed at the reserved time.

[0238] Defining automatic betting data for a proxy device can also be beneficial in enabling a user to participate in live in-person games both remotely and in person. For example, a user may wish to participate at a particular game table or even at a particular seat (e.g., a lucky seat, lucky table, or lucky slot). The user may reserve a proxy device for when the game table or seat becomes available. To ensure that no other player occupies the table or seat, the proxy device may be configured to operate according to the user's predefined betting rules. This may provide the user with time to move to the table or seat and participate in person.

[0239] For example, a user may define betting rules that can be implemented when the user's desired combination is available, ensuring the user is able to take advantage of the availability. A user may initiate an automatic betting state in response to a user prompt received from the proxy gaming platform. A user may also then initiate travel to a gaming location in response to a prompt to participate in person.

[0240] The proxy device may be configured to perform betting actions in various ways. For example, the proxy device may output audio betting commands to a dealer, who can place bets on behalf of the proxy device (and on behalf of the remote user). The audio bet may be the direct output of a verbal command captured by the user device from the remote user. Alternatively or additionally, the audio bet may be generated in response to user input (e.g., by translating / clarifying user verbal input, converting another user input such as a mouse click into verbal output, etc.).

[0241] Alternatively or additionally, the proxy device may include one or more wagering adaptations. Wagering adaptations generally refer to electronic or mechanical systems or components that enable the proxy device to place wagers for one or more games. Examples of wagering adaptations include chip handlers or dispensers (e.g., chip dispensers shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B), electronic chip systems, electronic chip handlers (e.g., electronic chip handler 1185 shown in FIG. 11), electronic connections for slot machines, etc.

[0242] At 360, the proxy device can generate a game action output in response to the control data received at 340. A game action output generally refers to any type of action or output performed by the proxy device with respect to a non-wagering game. The type of game action output performed by the proxy device can vary depending on the nature of the game being played as well as the current game state. Examples of game action outputs can include a hit action in a game of blackjack (i.e., asking the dealer to add a card) and a fold action in a game of poker.

[0243] Proxy Device The following is a description of a proxy device that may be used in any proxy gaming system alone or in any combination or subcombination with one or more of any other features disclosed herein.

[0244] According to this aspect, a device is provided for enabling remote participation in games being played live at a venue. For example, a device (called a proxy device) can enable a remote user to participate in live casino games being played at a casino while the user is not present at the gaming location or even the venue.

[0245] Broadly speaking, a proxy device includes a structure or base that can be deployed at a gaming location for a particular game type within a venue. The proxy device can include one or more input capture units capable of acquiring game status data related to the playing environment of a particular game. For example, the proxy device can include a video camera configured to capture video data from the playing environment around the proxy device. Game status data related to the game can then be determined from the video data.

[0246] The proxy device may also include one or more output units. The output unit(s) may be arranged to interact with the playing environment of a particular game, i.e., the output unit(s) may be arranged to enable the proxy device to perform any action related to or required to participate in the game.

[0247] The proxy device may also include one or more processors and one or more communication interfaces. Game data relating to the status of a particular game may be captured using at least one input capture unit. The game data may be transmitted to a remote user device via the communication interface.

[0248] Control data may also be received from the remote user device via the communications interface. The control data may define instructions for the proxy device to participate in a game. The proxy device may then perform various game-related actions in response to the control data received from the remote user device. For example, the control data may include betting data for a casino game being played within the casino. The proxy device may operate the output unit(s) to place a bet on the casino game using the betting data included in the control data received from the remote user device.

[0249] Proxy Input and Output Unit A proxy device may include various combinations of input unit(s) and output unit(s). Generally, a proxy device may be configured to include a combination of input unit(s) and output unit(s) that enables the proxy device to acquire game-related data sufficient to provide game status data to the remote user indicating the current status of the live game and to enable the proxy device to perform any necessary actions to participate in the live game on behalf of the remote user. The particular combination of input units and output units may vary depending on the implementation and / or the particular game in which the proxy device is participating.

[0250] The robot proxy may also include one or more output devices, which may be used to provide various outputs in response to control signals from the remote participants.

[0251] The output devices may include one or more visual output devices that may be used to provide a visual indication of an input from a remote participant, such as a signal command related to the casino game being played. Some output devices may include one or more visual output devices that may be used to provide a visual indication of an input from a remote participant, such as a betting command (e.g., hit, pass, double down, double for less, or split, etc.).

[0252] The output unit(s) may be defined to enable the proxy device to interact with the live game and / or other individuals and / or proxies located at the gaming venue. For example, the output unit(s) may be defined to enable the proxy device to perform game-related actions, such as placing bets or outputting other game actions.

[0253] The output unit(s) may include one or more audio output devices, such as a speaker. The proxy device may use the audio output device to provide audio output related to participation in a game. For example, the proxy device may be configured to output audio bets for a casino game through a speaker in response to control data from a remote user device. The proxy device may also perform other game-related actions using the audio output device.

[0254] The proxy device may also use the audio output device to communicate with other individuals at the venue, such as other players and / or the dealer. This may allow the remote player to participate in the social aspects of a live in-person game along with live participants located at the venue. For example, the audio output device (in combination with a microphone provided by the remote user device) may also allow the remote participant to communicate with a dealer, pit boss, slot or video machine attendant, friend, or other player who is present and participating in-person. The remote user may use the output device of the proxy device to speak directly to other individuals at the gaming venue.

[0255] The output unit(s) may include one or more visual output devices, such as a display device. The display device may come in various forms, such as an LCD or LED screen, one or more indicator lights (e.g., LEDs), a projector, and / or other visual display device. The visual output device may be used to provide visual indications of inputs from remote participants, such as betting commands related to the casino game being played (e.g., hit, pass, double down, double for less, or split, etc.).

[0256] The proxy device may use the visual output device to provide visual output related to participation in a game. For example, the proxy device may be configured to visually display bets for a casino game using the display device in response to control data from the remote user device. The proxy device may also perform other game-related actions using the visual output device.

[0257] The output device may output audio and / or video captured from the remote user (e.g., via a camera or microphone coupled to the remote user's user device). Alternatively or additionally, the output device may output signals defined in response to control data from the remote user. For example, a visual output device may be configured to display different visual signals (e.g., different colored lights, light signal patterns, etc.), and / or an audio output device may be configured to output different audio signals (e.g., different betting sounds) for different types of betting commands or other game-related actions.

[0258] Optionally, the proxy device may display the written command on a visual output device to indicate to the dealer and other players that the action is initiated by the proxy device.

[0259] The proxy device may also use the video output device to communicate with other individuals at the venue, such as other players and / or the dealer. For example, the video output device may provide a real-time video link between the remote user and the venue. This may allow the remote user to have visual presence in a live in-person game. This may further enhance the remote player's ability to participate in the social aspects of a live in-person game with live participants located at the venue.

[0260] The proxy device can output a user representation of the remote user to allow the user to have visual presence in the face-to-face game. The user representation can be generated in various ways, such as a live video stream captured by the remote user device showing the user while the game is in progress, and / or an avatar representing the user. The avatar can be generated using image data from a real person and / or a virtually generated avatar that is human-like.

[0261] The proxy device may also include output indicators related to the current status of the proxy device. The proxy device may include an in-use indicator, such as a display screen and / or a light indicator. For example, the in-use indicator may display a first signal (e.g., a static blue light) indicating that the robot proxy is in use by a remote user and a second signal (e.g., a flashing green light) indicating that the robot proxy is not currently in use and is available to be used. It will be apparent that a variety of alternative signals and combinations of signals (e.g., different colored lights, signal shapes, written status indicators, etc.) may be used to provide indicators of proxy device status.

[0262] As mentioned above, the visual output device(s) may include a projector. The proxy device may be configured to project bets for a casino game onto the playing surface of the casino game. This may be particularly useful if the proxy device is participating in a game that requires bets to be placed at a specific location on a gaming table (e.g., roulette or craps). The projector may also be used to output various other commands related to the game.

[0263] The proxy device may also include one or more physical output devices. A physical output device generally refers to a unit or device that allows the proxy device to interact with tangible elements at a gaming location, such as chips, cards, a table surface, slot machine inputs, etc. Examples of physical output devices include various game-specific adaptations, such as those shown and described in Figures 4A-8C and 13. Optionally, the physical output device may include a touch element that allows the proxy device to interact with a touch-sensitive input surface at the gaming location, such as a touchscreen.

[0264] The proxy device may include one or more input devices configured to obtain data related to the casino game and the casino environment that may be provided to the remote participant.

[0265] The input devices may include one or more image capture devices (e.g., video cameras or still image cameras) operable to capture video of the casino game being played. The video data may be transmitted to the remote user device to provide the remote user with a visual representation of the in-person game. The video may be displayed to the remote participant through a display coupled to the remote participant's user device.

[0266] The video data captured by the proxy device may also be analyzed to detect game-related data. For example, an image identification process may be implemented to identify cards (and bets, etc.) currently in play in a casino game. Image processing may be performed by one or more of the proxy device, the proxy gaming platform, and / or the user device.

[0267] The image capture device may be attached to the proxy device in a fixed or removable configuration. A movable image capture device may provide the proxy with increased flexibility to capture video data related to the ongoing game and associated environment. The position and orientation of the image capture device may be adjusted in response to control data from the remote user device.

[0268] Alternatively or additionally, the position and orientation of the image capture device may be automatically adjusted. For example, the image capture device may be automatically adjusted based on the location of the proxy device and / or the current state of the game. For example, a proxy device participating in a roulette game may identify a bet state in which the image capture device may be positioned to face the betting layout and a spin state in which the image capture device may be positioned to face the wheel.

[0269] The input devices may include one or more sound capture devices (e.g., one or more microphones) for capturing audio of the casino environment. The audio data may be transmitted to the remote user device to provide the remote user with an audible output of the in-person game and associated environment. The audio may be output to the remote participant through speakers or other audio output devices coupled to the remote participant's user device.

[0270] The position and orientation of the sound capture device may also be adjusted in response to control data from a remote user device. For example, a user may specify that the sound capture device be positioned to capture data from a specific individual (e.g., a dealer) rather than the general environment.

[0271] Alternatively or additionally, the position and orientation of the audio capture device may be automatically adjusted. For example, the audio capture device may be automatically adjusted based on the location of the proxy device and / or the current state of the game. For example, the audio capture device may be adjusted to face a particular user who is betting on a round of poker.

[0272] The proxy device may also include input devices that allow a live person to provide input to the proxy device directly and / or to the remote user through the proxy device. For example, the proxy device may include input devices such as a keyboard, a touchscreen display, pushbutton(s), etc. Such user-interactive input devices may be used to generate input signals to be sent to the remote user, for example, to prompt the user to provide control data related to an ongoing game and / or to initiate communication with the remote user.

[0273] The user-interactive input device may also allow a venue employee to provide input related to a game in which the proxy device is participating. For example, a dealer may provide input to the proxy device related to a bet won by the proxy device. This may allow the dealer to transfer value from a live player to the proxy device. For example, a live player may use chips to participate in a live game. However, the proxy device, the proxy gaming platform, and the remote user may track and manage that value electronically. For example, the proxy device may not use chips and / or may use electronic chips rather than standard casino chips.

[0274] Thus, the dealer may use the input device(s) to transfer value from the live player to the proxy device / remote user and vice versa. The dealer may keep the chips earned from the live player or, if the proxy device does not use standard chips, distribute chips to the live player based on the bets made by the proxy device.

[0275] The user-interactive input device may also allow a user to perform various operations on the proxy device, such as diagnostics, maintenance, procedures, inserting cash, etc. For example, the user-interactive input device may allow the proxy device to be updated and maintained, for example, when accessed by a technician or other maintenance worker.

[0276] The various input and output devices may be positioned and / or mounted on the proxy device in different manners depending on the particular implementation. For example, one or more of the input capture units and / or output units may be height adjustable. This may allow the proxy device to capture data and / or provide output at different levels depending on the height of a given gaming table or machine. Alternatively or additionally, adjusting the height of a given input unit and / or output unit may allow a remote user to control the remote user's field of view or how the remote user communicates data to in-person players and / or dealers.

[0277] The output device(s) may be attached in various locations on the proxy device. For example, a visual output device may be attached to the front of the proxy device (the side of the proxy device facing the gaming table or machine). This may be particularly useful in providing visual output from a remote user to a dealer, attendant, or other player. For example, a visual output device may be attached to the chest or face of a proxy device shaped to resemble a human (e.g., as shown in the examples of Figures 4, 6, and 7).

[0278] Alternatively or additionally, a visual output device may be attached to the back of the proxy device (the side of the proxy device facing away from the gaming table or machine), which may be particularly useful in providing other individuals with status data relating to the proxy device (e.g., in-use data, maintenance-related data, etc.).

[0279] Alternatively or additionally, the visual output device may be attached to other locations on the proxy device, such as on the side or on an extension such as an outwardly protruding arm. For example, the proxy device may include one or more arms that protrude outward from the body of the proxy device. The visual output device may be attached to the arm (e.g., at the distal end of the arm, around a mid-section similar to a wrist-worn bracelet, etc.) to allow the output device to be positioned and adjusted as needed or desired for participation in a given game.

[0280] As with the visual output device(s), the audio output device(s) may also be mounted in a variety of different locations on the proxy device, including the main body and extension members.

[0281] Optionally, the proxy device may communicate with input and / or output devices located at the gaming venue, such as microphone 407 and / or camera 409 shown in the example of FIG. 4B. For example, audio and / or video input devices (e.g., microphones, cameras, etc.) may be located at the gaming location. The proxy device may communicate with the input devices located at the gaming location to obtain game-related data related to the game status and / or the gaming environment. This may allow the proxy device to obtain game-related data from a perspective that may be difficult to obtain (or difficult to obtain without moving the proxy device) but is still relevant to the user's experience. This may also allow the proxy device to more easily identify game-related actions performed by the dealer, such as visual or audio instructions related to the game.

[0282] Optionally, the extension member or arm may be configured to extend and retract (e.g., in a telescoping manner), which may allow the position of the input and / or output device to be adjusted when placed on the extension member.

[0283] Optionally, the extension member may be articulated to allow for greater flexibility in adjusting the position of the input and / or output devices, i.e., the extension member may include multiple sections connected with flexible joints that allow the sections of the extension member to tilt or rotate relative to each other.

[0284] Optionally, one or more input and / or output devices may be removable from the proxy device, which may allow the proxy device to be reconfigured to participate in different types of games that may require different types and / or configurations of input and / or output devices.

[0285] For example, the proxy device may have a mounting member to allow one or more input and / or output devices to be removably mounted thereto. Alternatively or additionally, the proxy device may include a mounting member to allow an extension member and / or a game-specific adaptation to be mounted thereto.

[0286] The mounting member of the proxy device can include a coupling member (e.g., an electrical and / or electronic coupling). The coupling member can be used to establish a connection between the proxy device and an attachable member, such as a removable extension member, an input device, and / or an output device. For example, the coupling member can include a communicative coupling to allow control signals to be provided to the attached element (e.g., ultimately from the user device) and feedback signals to the proxy device (e.g., ultimately to the proxy gaming platform and / or the user device).

[0287] The proxy device and / or extension member may also include various position and environmental sensors operable to monitor the position of the proxy device and / or extension member relative to the environment of the gaming location.

[0288] For example, the proxy device and / or extension member may include a proximity sensor and / or a collision detection sensor that may be used to prevent the proxy device and / or extension member from colliding with objects or individuals at the venue and / or gaming location, such as a table, other individuals at the table, and / or chips placed on or at the table location.

[0289] The proxy device and / or extension member may also include a force sensor operable to detect force applied to the proxy device and / or extension member. This may help ensure that the proxy device and / or extension member do not cause damage to itself, employee personnel, live attendees, and / or other objects at the gaming location. For example, the proxy device 110 may be configured to reduce the pressure applied to the extension member in response to determining that the applied force is greater than a predefined safety threshold.

[0290] The proxy device may also include a chip holder or chip enclosure (see, for example, chip enclosure 751 in FIG. 7). The chip enclosure may be shaped to receive one or more casino chips.

[0291] When the proxy device participates in a casino game, the proxy device may bet using casino chips. The proxy device may also earn additional casino chips through success in the casino game. These casino chips may be returned to the casino cashier to be exchanged for money. Although the winnings (or losses) of the proxy device may be monitored electronically, the casino chips still represent value that may be attractive to individuals at the gaming location. Therefore, the casino chips may be stored in a chip enclosure to secure the casino chips and prevent them from being lost or stolen by individuals at the gaming location.

[0292] The chip enclosure may be configured as a secure (e.g., locked) enclosure to prevent unauthorized access to the casino chip. The chip enclosure may include various types of locking mechanisms, including electronic and / or mechanical locks. Chips may be deposited in the secured chip enclosure to prevent unauthorized access to the casino chip.

[0293] Casino chips may have chip identifier data (e.g., visual markings, electronic identifiers, etc.) that allow the chips to be identified. Optionally, one or more chips may be assigned to a particular player (e.g., a remote user operating a proxy device). Chips deposited in a chip enclosure may be tabulated for their total chip value amount for that particular player.

[0294] Optionally, the chip enclosure may be accessed by an authorized individual at the gaming venue (e.g., a pit boss, cashier, security personnel, etc.), who may use an access key (e.g., a physical key, key card, fob, etc.) and / or an access code (e.g., a combination, keypad code, alphanumeric code, etc.) and / or a biometric input to access the chip enclosure and retrieve the chips.

[0295] Alternatively or additionally, a user controlling a proxy device may access the chip enclosure to retrieve chips if the users are participating from the same gaming venue. Users, as well as authorized individuals, may access the chip enclosure in a variety of ways.

[0296] Optionally, the chip enclosure may include an access data input (e.g., a keypad, keyboard, touch screen, fingerprint scanner, retinal scanner, etc.) that allows a user or authorized individual to access the chip enclosure. The access data required to access the chip enclosure may be predefined (e.g., to ensure that only authorized individuals are allowed to access the chip enclosure).

[0297] Alternatively or additionally, a user may define access data that may be used during a gaming session established between the user and a proxy device, which may allow different users to access the chip enclosure over the period of time that the users establish gaming sessions with their respective proxy devices.

[0298] The chip enclosure may also allow a user to access chips earned by a proxy device during a gaming session with that proxy device. For example, if a user desires to participate in a casino game both in person and remotely (e.g., before and / or after participating in person), the user may access the chip enclosure to retrieve chips earned by the proxy device (on behalf of the user) and / or store chips earned by the user for subsequent use by the proxy device when the user is controlling the proxy device remotely.

[0299] Alternatively or additionally, a chip enclosure may be provided at the gaming table, for example, the chip enclosure may be secured to the table to provide a secure chip storage location that is protected from theft and / or tampering.

[0300] 4A shows an example of a chip enclosure 473 located on table 401. Chip enclosure 473 can be configured and operate in generally the same manner as a chip enclosure provided by a proxy device.

[0301] The chip enclosure 473 may be used by the proxy device 110 and / or may be used to store chips earned by the proxy device 110. For example, the chip enclosure 473 may contain casino chips earned by a particular proxy device 110 if that proxy device 110 participates in games using electronic and / or virtual chips. This may provide a secure enclosure for managing chips earned by the proxy device 110 without requiring the proxy device to handle and / or manage those chips.

[0302] A proxy device may generally include a communications interface to enable the proxy device to transmit data to other devices, such as the proxy gaming platform, a user device, and / or a dealer device, etc. The communications interface may include one or more wired and / or wireless communications units configured to operate according to a variety of different communications protocols.

[0303] Proxy Structure Proxy devices may be provided in a variety of different configurations. Proxy devices of a variety of different shapes, sizes, and constructions may be used so long as the proxy device is capable of acquiring the data and providing the output necessary for a remote participant to participate in a given live in-person game.

[0304] In some instances, a proxy device may be fixed at a particular gaming location (e.g., a particular game table or slot machine). For example, the proxy device may be fixedly attached to the floor, chair, or table at the gaming location. A user may establish a gaming session with the fixed proxy device to participate in a game at the corresponding gaming location. This may allow the proxy device to maintain a fixed, hardwired connection to the gaming venue's network infrastructure to facilitate communication with the proxy gaming platform and / or remote users.

[0305] Additionally, the proxy device may be able to implement additional security measures when in a fixed location. For example, the proxy device may include a chip enclosure that allows chips acquired by the proxy device to be delivered to a cashier (e.g., through appropriate ductwork) without requiring a user to access the chip enclosure. More generally, maintaining the proxy device in a fixed location can ensure that attempts to access, interfere with, or tamper with the proxy device can be more easily monitored.

[0306] Providing a fixed proxy device at a particular gaming location also ensures that the proxy device is positioned to facilitate interaction with the particular game being played at that gaming location, i.e., the proxy device may be installed and positioned by a technician and calibrated to ensure that the input and output devices of the proxy device are optimally positioned and arranged for the particular game and particular gaming location (e.g., for a particular table height, a particular field of view, etc.).

[0307] Alternatively, the proxy device may be deployable at multiple gaming locations within the gaming venue. For example, the proxy device may include a mobile base. The mobile base may enable the proxy device to move between different gaming locations within the gaming venue.

[0308] Alternatively or additionally, the proxy device may be mobile between different gaming venues.

[0309] The proxy device may also include various tracking features to ensure that the location of the proxy device can be monitored. For example, the proxy device may include a location detection system that uses technologies such as LIDAR and / or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to track the location of the proxy device within and between game venues.

[0310] Optionally, the proxy device may include a wheeled base, in which case the proxy device may be moved between gaming locations using the wheels of the wheeled base.

[0311] Alternatively or additionally, the proxy device may include one or more track members that may mate with one or more corresponding tracks at the gaming venues, which may enable the proxy device to travel along the tracks between gaming locations.

[0312] A track member may be provided on the base of the proxy device, and the base-mounted track member may be positioned to engage a floor-mounted track within the gaming venue.

[0313] Alternatively or additionally, the track members may be provided on one or more extension members extending outwardly from the proxy device. For example, the track members may be provided on one or more upwardly extending extension members. This may allow the track members to engage with corresponding ceiling-mounted tracks.

[0314] Additionally or alternatively, the proxy device may include an electric motor, which may be operated to drive movement of the proxy device.

[0315] Optionally, the proxy device may include one or more locks that can be used to secure the proxy device to a particular gaming location. The one or more locks may be configured to mate with corresponding locking members provided at the particular gaming location. This can ensure that the proxy device remains at the desired gaming location while participating in a live in-person game.

[0316] Optionally, the proxy device may be adjustable between multiple configurations depending on the operational status of the proxy device, for example, the proxy device may be adjustable between an in-use position and a storage position.

[0317] In the storage position, the proxy device may be adjusted to a more compact shape and / or size (compared to the in-use position) to facilitate storage and / or transport of the proxy device.

[0318] In the retracted position, one or more elements of the proxy device can be retracted or embedded in the body of the proxy device. For example, an adjustable extension member can be adjusted to a retracted position and / or to a position directly adjacent the proxy device body in the retracted position to reduce the outer profile of the proxy device.

[0319] Input and / or output devices may also be adjusted (e.g., retracted into the main body of the proxy device) in a storage position. The storage positions for the input and / or output devices may be defined to minimize possible damage to those devices during transport and / or storage (e.g., by protecting potentially fragile elements, such as screens).

[0320] In the in-use position, the input device and / or output device may be adjusted to an operating position to allow the proxy device to participate in a particular game.

[0321] Optionally, the operating positions of the input and / or output devices may vary depending on the particular game that the proxy device is participating in. The proxy device may be configured to adjust the positions of the input and / or output devices based on the particular game and / or game location.

[0322] The height of the proxy device may be defined based on the expected height required for the gaming location(s) where the proxy device is to be used. For example, the height of the proxy device may be defined to ensure that input and / or output devices can be positioned at a height greater than the expected height of the gaming table.

[0323] The height of a robot proxy may be defined to be larger than the expected table height for casino games. In some cases, the height of a robot proxy may be adjustable to allow the robot proxy to participate in games with different table heights. Providing a height-adjustable robot proxy may also facilitate storage and allow the robot proxy to be moved between gaming locations in a more stable manner (e.g., by moving while in a more compact stored position).

[0324] Proxy devices may be provided in a variety of shapes, including basic, circular, or rectangular shaped display devices with integrated output devices. Such devices may be provided as proxy devices attached to a gaming location (e.g., mounted on a gaming table). These devices may not require the same height as other chair- or floor-mounted proxy devices, as they may be mounted directly to the gaming table.

[0325] Optionally, the table-mounted proxy device may be secured to the gaming location, for example, to prevent theft.

[0326] Alternatively, table-mounted proxy devices may be removably installed at gaming locations to allow them to be deployed at different gaming locations as needed, however, moving these proxy devices between different gaming locations may require users to transport or otherwise transfer these proxy devices between gaming locations.

[0327] Optionally, a table-mounted proxy device may be fixed at a particular seat location at the table.

[0328] Alternatively, the table-mounted proxy may be movable between different seating locations at the table. Optionally, the table-mounted proxy device may be movable while remaining attached to the gaming table.

[0329] For example, a gaming table may be modified to incorporate a track system for a table-mounted proxy device. The table-mounted proxy device may then be moved between different seating locations at the table by moving along the track. The proxy device may be adjustable to a compact position when moved so as not to interfere with the game or with other individuals at the gaming table (e.g., to avoid hitting other players or chips).

[0330] The table-mounted proxy device may be manually movable between different seating positions at a gaming table, which may require venue personnel, such as a dealer, to adjust the position of the table-mounted proxy device.

[0331] Alternatively, the table-mounted proxy device may be automatically movable, for example, in response to a command from a remote user device. Optionally, the proxy device may output a warning signal, such as a flashing light or a beep, indicating that the proxy device is moving or about to move. This may alert venue personnel and / or other participants to the proxy device's movement so they can avoid being interfered with.

[0332] The movable proxy device may be locked and secured to the table at a given seat location, which may ensure that the proxy device cannot be moved or tampered with during an ongoing game.

[0333] A table-mounted proxy device may be configured as a low-profile device that does not take up a large area of ​​the table. For example, the proxy device may be as small as 8-9 inches wide by approximately 2-4 inches high. Such a low-profile proxy device may ensure that the proxy device does not interfere with other players' ability to view the table, their chips, the dealer, or other players. This may allow remote users to participate in table games remotely without reducing the capacity of in-person players. However, such a proxy device may be limited in the proxy device's capabilities to participate in the game (e.g., limited to audio and video output).

[0334] Alternatively, the proxy device may be provided in a generally humanoid form having a central body, an upper portion (e.g., resembling a head), and an outwardly extending protrusion (e.g., an extension member). Alternatively, the proxy device may be provided in a humanoid form or a partially humanoid form (e.g., having a head, or a torso and head, mounted on a base). The humanoid form may include an output device usable to provide a user representation on the upper portion (i.e., head) of the proxy device.

[0335] Alternatively, the proxy device may simply comprise an electronics enclosure containing various input and output devices and optionally one or more extension members.

[0336] Optionally, the proxy device may be chair-mounted (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A-4C). That is, the proxy device may be attached to or secured to a chair at the gaming location. The proxy device may then extend upward from the chair to the height necessary to participate in a given game. The proxy device may be removably attached to the chair to allow an in-person player to use the chair when the proxy device is not in use.

[0337] Alternatively, the proxy device may include or be integrated with the player chair (see, for example, FIG. 7). This may allow a live player to use the chair when the proxy device is not in use without requiring the proxy device to be removed. This may also facilitate multi-mode play for a user, for example, if the user can continue to participate in the same game while in-person and using the proxy device at the chair location through the user's user device.

[0338] A proxy device integrated with a player chair 741 may include retractable input and output devices (e.g., retractable device 743) and retractable extension members (e.g., retractable arm 745), which may allow the proxy device to convert between an in-use position (when the proxy device is participating in a game on behalf of a user) and a compact stored position that allows an in-person player to participate in the game directly while seated in the chair.

[0339] Optionally, a player chair may be included on the rear side of the proxy device (i.e., the side spaced away from the gaming table), which may allow an individual to sit on or adjacent to the proxy device while the proxy device participates in a game.

[0340] The proxy device may include one or more power sources. For example, the proxy device may include an electrical connector that can be used to connect the proxy device to mains power. The proxy device can then operate using the mains power when plugged in. This may facilitate construction of the proxy device, especially if the proxy device is intended to be fixed at a gaming location.

[0341] Alternatively or additionally, the proxy device may include one or more built-in energy storage components (e.g., batteries, capacitors, ultracapacitors, etc.). This may ensure that the proxy device remains operational even without electrical connection to a mains power source. This may be particularly useful for proxy devices that are mobile between gaming locations and / or gaming venues.

[0342] Optionally, the proxy device may include one or more device identifiers. The device identifiers may be used to uniquely identify the proxy device. For example, the proxy device may include a visually or electronically identifiable identifier (e.g., a serial number, a barcode, etc.). Optionally, each of the output units, input units, and / or extension members, which may be removable from the proxy device, may also include an identifier to ensure that they can be easily tracked.

[0343] Movement of the input / output device and / or extension member may be controlled using a variety of different types of motors and rotary or linear actuators. Electronic servos may be used to control and adjust the positioning of the input / output device and / or extension member.

[0344] Alternatively or additionally, the proxy device may include a mechanically adjustable positioning member, which may act as a replacement for the electronic motor and / or as a backup in case of motor failure. The adjustable positioning member may be used to adjust the input / output device and / or extension member to a fixed position for participation in a game. The adjustable positioning member may also include a locking fastener to maintain the input / output device and / or extension member in a desired position.

[0345] Proxy Device Betting System As described herein above, the proxy device may participate in games that involve wagering, such as casino games. In-person participants at a casino typically wager using chips. Each casino chip is associated with a monetary value, and the chip may be redeemed for that monetary value at a cashier within the casino.

[0346] However, proxy devices do not require users to be physically present at a casino to participate in casino games. Also, it may be impractical for users to navigate their proxy devices to a cashier cage in a casino to earn and redeem casino chips. Therefore, a remote user may insert or remove funds from the remote user's account electronically on the proxy gaming platform. This can pose challenges when a proxy device is participating in casino games alongside in-person players who bet and collect winnings by using casino chips.

[0347] Optionally, the proxy device may participate in casino games using an electronic chip system and / or a virtual chip system. For example, a proxy device may have one or more electronic chips accessible to and / or associated with the proxy device. Each electronic chip may have a display output or surface that can be used to display the proxy device's current bet value. This may allow the proxy device to participate in casino games while limiting the number of chips that the proxy device is required to manage (e.g., handle or store).

[0348] In some cases, electronic chips may have generally the same shape and size as regular casino chips, which may ensure that the electronic chips can be used in various casino games with minimal interference to other players.

[0349] Additionally, the use of electronic chips may enable increased participation in casino games by reducing the clutter of chips that must be wagered for larger bets. The actual value held by a player (live player or proxy device) may be tracked electronically. When a bet is being placed, electronic chips may represent a variety of different values ​​depending on the given bet. Instead of a dealer needing to maintain a tray with multiple different types of chips (e.g., multiple colors associated with different values) and many chips of each type (e.g., 300-400 chips for each type of eight different types of chips), the dealer can manage a significantly reduced number of electronic chips.

[0350] Alternatively or additionally, the proxy device may display bets through a visual output device, such as a display screen or projector. In such implementations, the proxy device may not handle any chips. In the case of casino games in which participants bet against each other, this may place an additional burden on the dealer or pit boss to manage the in-person player's chips (e.g., removing chips from the table when the proxy device wins or paying the in-person player chips corresponding to the bet output by the proxy device).

[0351] Optionally, the proxy device may be configured to project chip images onto the gaming table to reflect bet outputs. This may be particularly useful for games such as roulette or craps, where bets are placed at designated locations on the gaming table. This may also allow the proxy device to project as many or as few bets as desired without requiring a significant number of different chips or electronic chips.

[0352] Optionally, a game table location may include one or more table output units, such as a table display device. An exemplary table display device 475 is shown in FIG. 4B. For example, the table display device may be mounted on a tabletop, hung above or near a table, or otherwise positioned so as to be visible to players and / or proxy devices participating in a game at the game table location.

[0353] The table display device may enable virtual bets placed by the proxy device and / or remote users to be shown to other participants by displaying those bets on the screen. For example, the display screen may provide a virtual display of a gaming table on which virtual bets (and optionally live bets) are overlaid.

[0354] 4B, the table output unit is table display 475. Alternatively, or additionally, the table output unit may include a table projection system operable to display projected bet data at the gaming table location (e.g., onto the gaming table surface).

[0355] The proxy device may also include one or more payment input devices, i.e., a casino game dealer may interact with an input device (e.g., a touch screen, a keypad, etc.) on the proxy device to define a payment to the proxy device as a result of a given game.

[0356] The proxy device may also include a funds transfer unit. The funds transfer unit may receive funds (or data indicative of the value of funds) related to a game outcome (e.g., a payment). The funds transfer unit may then electronically transfer funds corresponding to the payment to an account associated with the user following completion of the user's participation in the game. For example, the funds transfer unit may enable electronic funds transfers to and from the proxy device, including tap-based payments.

[0357] Payments to the proxy device may be provided to the remote user's user account via the proxy gaming platform. This may enable the remote user to obtain payment from the remote user's participation in an in-person game without the remote user needing to manually convert the chips (earned by the proxy device) into real currency. The chips may then be stored in a secure chip enclosure (e.g., provided by the proxy device and / or the gaming venue / location) for later return to a venue cashier. Optionally, the chips may be reusable by the proxy device (or another proxy device at the same location), for example, in response to the same or a different remote user entering value into the remote user's user account for use by the proxy device in an in-person game.

[0358] Depending on the size of the payment, additional authorization (e.g., from an authorized individual such as a pit boss or floor supervisor) may be required to allow the payment to be completed. Authorizing such a payment may require the authorized individual to authenticate the payment by submitting authentication data (e.g., password, biometric, or key card).

[0359] Optionally, the proxy device may include a cash output or dispenser device (see, for example, cash dispenser 460 shown in FIG. 4C). The cash dispenser may be usable by the proxy device to provide buy-ins for casino games at the gaming location. The cash may allow a dealer to issue chips to the proxy device in exchange for cash provided by device 460. The cash dispenser may also be used to enable the proxy device to play slot games (see, for example, FIG. 7). This may facilitate using the proxy device with existing slot machines that include cash acceptors.

[0360] Alternatively or additionally, the gaming table location may include a dealer input unit. The dealer input unit may be used to identify whether the proxy device and / or remote user has won a bet. The dealer may interact with the dealer input unit to indicate the outcome of the bet. Winnings and / or losses may then be electronically added to or deducted from the user's account. Optionally, the dealer input unit may be combined with a chip enclosure.

[0361] Alternatively or additionally, the proxy device may be configured to participate in casino games using casino chips just like other in-person participants, and therefore may include one or more chip handling components that enable the proxy device to pick up and place chips as needed.

[0362] 5A-5B, there is shown an example of a chip dispenser 500. The chip dispenser 500 is an example of a chip handling component that may be used by a proxy device to manipulate casino chips 511.

[0363] 5A, the dispenser can include a chip receiving area or channel 521. The chip receiving area 521 can be shaped and sized to accept multiple casino chips while facilitating controlled dispensing of the chips.

[0364] 5A, the chip receiving area 521 is a cylindrical channel shaped to receive a stack of chips 511. The chip receiving area 521 can be sized to collect and dispense a number of chips, for example, stacks of up to 20 chips, stacks of up to 30 chips, stacks of up to 40 chips, stacks of up to 50 chips, stacks of up to 60 chips, etc., depending on the implementation.

[0365] For example, the height of a casino chip may be approximately 3 to 3.25 mm (e.g., 3.16 mm), and therefore the interior length of the chip receiving area 521 may be sized between approximately 30 mm and approximately 350 mm (or greater) depending on the number of chips the dispenser 500 is intended to hold.

[0366] The chip receiving area 521 may be defined by one or more outer sidewall sections or channel members 513. In the example shown, the channel members 513 are provided by downwardly extending fingers. The fingers 513 are spaced around the periphery of the chip receiving area 521. The fingers 513 are arranged to define the chip receiving area 521 with a width slightly greater than the width of the chip 511.

[0367] The inner surfaces of the fingers 513 may be arcuate or curved to facilitate gripping a round tip. Alternatively, the fingers 513 may be shaped and positioned to accommodate tips of different shapes and sizes, such as square or rectangular tips.

[0368] More generally, dispenser 500 can be used (with appropriate modifications) with any type of chip, including chips with dealer-assigned values, fixed casino-issued value chips, electronic chips, etc.

[0369] The fingers 513 may also include inwardly extending protrusions or projections 517. The protrusions on each finger 513 may be spaced apart by the height of the chip (or a distance slightly greater than the height of the chip). For example, a standard casino chip may have a height of approximately 3 to 3.25 mm (e.g., 3.16 mm). Thus, the protrusions may be spaced apart by a distance of approximately 3 mm, or approximately 3.1 mm, or approximately 3.16 mm, or approximately 3.2 mm, or approximately 3.3 mm, or approximately 3.4 mm, or approximately 3.5 mm, or approximately 3.6 mm, or approximately 3.7 mm, or approximately 3.8 mm, or approximately 3.9 mm, or approximately 4 mm.

[0370] The protrusion 517 can extend into the chip receiving area 521 to hold the chip 511 within the chip receiving area 521 .

[0371] The protrusions 517 on the fingers 513 may be vertically aligned with one another. That is, each finger 513 may include multiple vertically spaced protrusions 517. Each protrusion 517 associated with a given finger 513 may be vertically aligned with a corresponding protrusion on each other finger 513 to define an individual chip-receiving space.

[0372] Collectively, the aligned protrusions 517 can define a reduced inner perimeter area that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the chip 511. Thus, the chip can rest on the protrusions 517 and be held within the channel receiving area 521.

[0373] Optionally, the fingers 513 may be movable inward and outward to adjust the diameter of the chip receiving area 521. This may allow the chip receiving area to be increased when collecting chips 511 from a gaming table. In the example shown in FIG. 5A , the fingers 513 may move inward and outward along the track members 527. When the fingers 513 are in their innermost position, the fingers 513 may engage and securely secure the chips 511 within the channels 521. When the fingers 513 are moved away to the release position, the diameter of the chip receiving area 521 may be increased to be larger than the diameter of the chips 511, allowing the chips to be released and / or allowing the dispenser 500 to collect a stack of chips.

[0374] Optionally, protrusion 517 may be fixed relative to fingers 513. Protrusion 517 may thus define a ledge upon which tip 511 may be supported within channel 521. The tip may then be gripped and released by adjusting the positioning of fingers 513.

[0375] Alternatively, protrusion 517 may be movable relative to fingers 513. Protrusion 517 may move inward and outward relative to fingers 513 (or fingers 513 may move relative to protrusion 517) to allow the tip to be selectively released from or retained in channel 521.

[0376] Optionally, protrusions 517 may extend out from recesses provided in fingers 513. Protrusions 517 may be movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, protrusions 517 may protrude outward from the surface of fingers 513 into channels 521. In the retracted position, protrusions 517 may be recessed within corresponding recesses and may be flush with the surface of fingers 513.

[0377] Optionally, protrusion 517 may be biased to the extended position. Protrusion 517 may retract from the extended position to the retracted position in response to a force exerted on protrusion 517 (e.g., from tip 511 being moved along channel 521).

[0378] Alternatively or additionally, the protrusions 517 may be controllably retractable, i.e., the device 500 may include a controller operable to electronically adjust the position of each protrusion 517 between an extended position and a retracted position. This may allow the tip to be selectively released from or retained in the channel 521 in the absence of the release member.

[0379] For example, channel 521 may have five chips. To dispense only four chips, the protrusions 517 under those four chips may be retracted, and the remaining protrusions 517 may remain in an extended position to retain the remaining chips in channel 521. A similar approach may be used to collect additional chips when there are already chips in channel 521.

[0380] Alternatively or additionally, protrusion 517 may be flexible. This may allow tip 511 to be pushed past protrusion 517 in response to an applied normal force, while still retaining tip 511 within channel 521 when no force is applied. Flexible protrusion 517 may be rubberized. Optionally, flexible protrusion 517 may be fixed in place (i.e., not adjustable between extended and retracted positions).

[0381] Optionally, the dispenser 500 may also include an ejection member that may be used to eject the chips 511 from the chip receiving area 521.

[0382] 5A, the ejection member is provided in the form of a plunger 519. The plunger 519 extends downwardly through the channel 521 to eject the tips 511 from the channel 521. This may help eject tips 511 that are stuck, for example, due to a buildup of dirt and debris. Optionally, the ejection member may be coupled to a vibration motor. This may further facilitate ejecting a desired number of tips 511 that are stuck or stuck together.

[0383] The plunger 519 can be configured to extend to a defined depth depending on the number of chips being dispensed. For example, the plunger 519 can be configured to extend to different chip levels corresponding to the number of chips 511 intended to remain within the chip receiving area 521.

[0384] Optionally, dispenser 500 can include a vibrating chip receiving area 521. Chip receiving area 521 (e.g., fingers 513), or elements therein (e.g., using plunger 519), can be shaken or vibrated when dispensing chips to facilitate dispensing chips that may be stuck or stuck (e.g., due to dirt or debris). For example, plunger 519 or fingers 513 can vibrate or rock within channel receiving area 521 to dislodge stuck or stuck chips. This can ensure that the correct number of chips 511 are dispensed onto the table.

[0385] 5A, the distributor 500 may also include a connector 525. The connector 525 may provide electrical and electronic coupling between the distributor 500 and a proxy device. The connector 525 may enable the proxy device to provide control signals to control the operation of the distributor 500 (e.g., fingers 513, prongs 517, plunger 519, etc.). The connector 525 may also enable the distributor to provide feedback data related to the operational status of the distributor to the proxy device.

[0386] The dispenser 500 and / or proxy device may also include various location and environmental sensors operable to monitor the location of the dispenser 500 relative to the gaming location's environment.

[0387] For example, the dispenser 500 may include a proximity sensor and / or a collision detection sensor. The proximity sensor may be used to prevent the dispenser from colliding with the table, other individuals at the table, and / or chips placed on or at the table location.

[0388] The dispenser 500 may also include a force sensor operable to detect the force applied to the dispenser 500. This may help ensure that the dispenser 500 does not cause damage to itself, employee personnel, live attendees, and / or other objects at the gaming location. For example, the proxy device 110 may be configured to reduce the pressure applied to the dispenser 500 in response to determining that the applied force is greater than a predefined safety threshold.

[0389] Optionally, the dispenser 500 may include a chip identification sensor operable to identify the chip color and / or value of the chips 511 collected in the channel 521. For example, the dispenser 500 may include a light sensor and / or camera operable to detect the color (and thereby the value) of the chips 511 being collected and deposited.

[0390] Optionally, the dispenser 500 may include one or more output devices. The output devices may provide instructions or displays related to the status and / or operation of the dispenser 500. For example, the dispenser 500 may include a display 523. The display 523 may be coupled to a camera positioned to capture an image of the current position of the channel 521. This may help a user ensure that the chips 511 are correctly placed on a gaming table, such as the roulette table 401. This may also indicate bets being made by the dispenser 500 to other individuals at the gaming location (e.g., a dealer, other players).

[0391] 5B, the dispenser 500 has a cylindrical channel 521. The display 523 may therefore be provided as a curved or flexible display that at least partially surrounds a portion of the channel 521.

[0392] Alternatively or additionally, a digital layout of the gaming table may be defined for the proxy device. The digital layout may be mapped to the real-world location of the gaming table. The location of the dispenser may then be monitored using one or more location sensors built into the dispenser and / or the proxy device. The dispenser location may then be reflected in the digital layout based on the current coordinates and the mapping between the gaming table and the digital layout.

[0393] 4C shows an example of a proxy device 110 using a dispenser 500 to participate in a game at roulette 401. As seen in FIG. 4C, the proxy device 110 can operate the dispenser 500 to dispense chips on the roulette table 401 for betting on specific numbers. While FIG. 4C shows the dispenser being held by an extension member attached to the proxy member 110, it should be understood that the dispenser 500 can also be attached directly to the proxy member 110 (e.g., fixedly or removably attached to the extension member).

[0394] The dispenser 500 may also provide a simplified way of viewing the chips 511 dispensed by the proxy device 110. As mentioned above, the dispenser 500 may include an output display 523 that displays an image or video of the chips 511 being dispensed by the proxy device 110. This image data may be transmitted directly to the remote user device and / or captured by an image capture device provided on the proxy device 110 to provide the remote user with a clear indication of the bet being made.

[0395] 4A, the proxy device 110 may include an alternative chip handling member, such as a gripping member 230b, which may be configured to grip and release chips 511 for placing bets on the table 401.

[0396] As shown in FIG. 4A, gripping member 230b may be moved to a desired location (e.g., above number 19) to place a bet on a remote user's desired number.

[0397] Game-specific adaptation As described above, the proxy device may be used to participate in various live, in-person games. To facilitate participation in a particular game or type of game, the proxy device may include an output device in the form of a game-specific interaction unit. The game-specific interaction unit may be configured to enable the proxy device to participate in a specified game (e.g., roulette, poker, or blackjack) or a specified type of game (e.g., card games, table games, slots).

[0398] Optionally, a proxy device may include multiple game-specific interaction units, each configured specifically to enable participation in a corresponding game or type of game, which may enable the same proxy device to participate in different games or different game types within a gaming venue and / or at different gaming venues.

[0399] The proxy device may be configured to coordinate between game-specific interaction units to allow the device to participate in different games. For example, the game-specific interaction units may be attached to different extension members that are extendable and retractable. The proxy device may extend the particular extension member to which the desired game-specific interaction unit is attached to participate in the corresponding game. Optionally, the proxy device may then retract the extension member(s) containing the other game-specific interaction units that are not currently in use.

[0400] Optionally, one or more of the game-specific interaction units may be removable from the proxy device. This may enable the proxy device to participate in a variety of different games and / or game types without requiring the proxy device to store multiple different game-specific interaction units. For example, game-specific interaction units may be stored at a given gaming location and attached to the proxy device (e.g., by a dealer or other individual at the gaming location) when the proxy device is deployed at the gaming location.

[0401] Optionally, the game-specific interaction unit may include a mating connector similar to connector 525 shown in Figure 5A. The mating connector may be used to couple the game-specific interaction unit to the proxy device to enable the proxy device to use the game-specific interaction unit during a gaming session.

[0402] Alternatively or additionally, the game-specific interaction unit may include a wireless communication module operable to communicate wirelessly with a proxy device, which may control the game-specific interaction unit wirelessly during a gaming session.

[0403] Optionally, the game-specific interaction unit may include an internal power source, such as one or more batteries or other energy storage components. Alternatively or additionally, the game-specific interaction unit may include a power connector usable to couple the game-specific interaction unit to a power source, such as a mains power source or a portable power source. The power connector may be combined with a mating connector and / or a separate coupling element.

[0404] A robot proxy device may include one or more gaming-specific adaptations that allow the robot proxy to participate in a particular casino game. A proxy device may include multiple adaptations that allow the robot proxy to easily transition between casino games. Alternatively, the robot proxy's betting adaptations may be removable and stored at the gaming table or in a secure indoor location where they can be attached / detached by a dealer or other casino employee.

[0405] Card Game Adaptation The following is a description of a card game adaptation device that may be used in any proxy gaming system alone or in any combination or subcombination with one or more of any other features disclosed herein.

[0406] According to this aspect, a card game adapting device is provided that can enable a proxy device to receive and identify playing cards associated with a card game in a secure manner. The card game adapting device can identify playing cards dealt to the proxy device while preventing other opposing players from identifying the playing cards. This can be particularly beneficial for card games such as poker, where maintaining the secrecy of one's cards is an important aspect of gameplay.

[0407] 8A-8C, there is shown an example of a card game adaptation device 800. As will be apparent, the device 800 shown in Figures 8A-8C is an exemplary prototype of a card game adaptation device.

[0408] Device 800 includes a card-receiving surface 861A onto which playing cards 873 may be dealt (e.g., by a dealer at a gaming location). Cards 873 may be placed on card-receiving surface 861A with their faces hidden from other players in the vicinity of device 800. Device 800 may include a camera 881 positioned to capture images of the faces of playing cards 873 so that a remote user can determine the particular cards 873 that were dealt to the remote user's proxy device.

[0409] 8A-8C, device 800 can include an enclosure containing a camera. The enclosure can include spacing between camera 881 and surface 861A to ensure that the field of view of camera 881 is sufficient to capture all of the cards 873 placed on card-receiving surface 861A.

[0410] As shown, the device 800 includes a bottom wall 863. At least one side wall 865 may extend between the bottom wall 863 and a top end 867 of the device. The bottom wall 863 and each side wall 865 may be substantially opaque, which may prevent other players from identifying cards 873 dealt to the proxy device.

[0411] In the illustrated example, device 800 is substantially rectangular. Accordingly, device 800 includes four side walls 865A-865D extending between bottom wall 863 and top end 867. Alternatively, device 800 may be provided in a different shape, which may result in more or fewer side walls.

[0412] Alternatively or additionally, one or more sides of device 800 may omit side walls, which may facilitate dealing and / or removing playing cards 873 onto and / or from surface 861A.

[0413] Device 800 may also include an upper wall member 861 proximate top end 867. Upper wall member 861 may define an inner side 861B facing the interior of device 800 and an outer side 861A opposite inner side 861B. Outer side 861A may also be referred to as a card receiving surface. Upper wall member 861 may define card receiving surface 861A onto which cards 873 may be dealt.

[0414] The device 800 may also include a camera 881. The camera 881 may be positioned to face the interior side 861B of the upper wall member 861. The camera 881 may be configured to capture an image of an object (e.g., a playing card 873) placed on the exterior side 861A of the upper wall 861.

[0415] 8A-8C, a camera may be provided in a lower wall 863 of device 800. For example, camera 881 may be integrated into lower wall 863 facing upward toward wall 861. An inner side 861B of upper wall member 861 may face lower wall 863 of device 800. Wall 861 may be configured to allow camera 881 to capture an image of playing card 873 placed on card receiving surface 861A.

[0416] For example, upper wall member 861 may be transparent, or at least sufficiently transparent or translucent to allow the faces of playing cards to be easily discernible. Alternatively or additionally, upper wall member 861 may include an opening to allow camera 881 to image the faces of playing cards 873 positioned on card receiving surface 861A.

[0417] In device 800, upper walls 861 may be positioned below device top edge 867. That is, side walls 865 may extend upwardly between upper walls 861 such that upper wall members 861 are recessed below device top edge 867. This may help ensure that cards 873 are not visible to opposing players at a gaming location. As shown in FIG. 8B , upper sections 875 of side walls 865 may extend above upper wall members 861.

[0418] The device 800 may also include one or more cut-out sections. The cut-out sections may facilitate placing and / or removing a playing card 873 from the receiving surface 861A. For example, the upper wall member 861 may include a cut-out or void section 869. The void section 869 may be positioned to facilitate removal of an object (e.g., a playing card 873) placed on the outer side 861A.

[0419] Void section 869 may be sized to allow a finger (e.g., a dealer's finger) to pass therethrough. For example, void section 869 may define a card removal channel located at one end of upper surface 861. This may allow a dealer to easily remove card 873 by inserting a finger into void section 869 and collecting card 873 with a single swiping motion.

[0420] Device 800 may also include cutout section 871 in a portion of a sidewall (e.g., sidewall 865D as in FIG. 8A ), which may be aligned with void section 869 to further facilitate removal of objects on upper surface 861A.

[0421] Optionally, device 800 can include a closure member for cut-out section 871. For example, side wall 865D can include a movable wall section that is movable to open and close the cut-out section. Closing that wall section while a game is in progress can further ensure that opposing players cannot see playing cards 873.

[0422] Optionally, device 800 may also include a card insertion slot (not shown). The slot may be provided by one or more of side walls 865. The slot may be shaped to receive a playing card inserted therein. The slot may be positioned such that a playing card 873 inserted therethrough is positioned on card receiving surface 861A. For example, the slot may be located on side wall 865 between upper wall member 861 and device top end 867. The dealer may insert card 873 into the card insertion slot in a manner that allows camera 881 to capture an image of the card while preventing nearby players from identifying the card.

[0423] Device 800 can be sized to accept various numbers, shapes, and sizes of playing cards. For example, upper wall member 861 can be shaped to accept at least two adjacent playing cards (e.g., for use in a game such as Texas Hold'em Poker). As in the illustrated example, upper wall member 861 can be shaped to accept at least five adjacent playing cards.

[0424] An electronics module may be coupled to the camera 881. The electronics module may control the operation of the camera 881 and transmit image data from the camera 881 to a remote user (e.g., via a proxy device). The electronics module may include a processor and a communications interface. The processor may acquire images from the camera and transmit the images to a user device via the communications interface. The processor may also control the operation of the camera 881 to capture images for the card 873.

[0425] Optionally, the electronics module may be contained within device 800 itself. Alternatively, the electronics module may be external to device 800 (e.g., as part of the body of a proxy device).

[0426] Device 800 may also include various additional components, such as game-related status indicators. Bottom wall 863 (or a portion thereof) may be removable to allow components of device 800, such as camera 881, to be easily maintained, repaired, and / or replaced.

[0427] Optionally, device 800 may be movable. For example, device 800 may be mounted on a movable base. Alternatively or additionally, device 800 may require manual intervention to move device 800. This may allow device 800 to be placed at different gaming locations.

[0428] Alternatively, device 800 may be associated with a particular gaming location, and a proxy device may establish a connection with device 800 for use in participating in games at the particular gaming location.

[0429] Optionally, device 800 may be fixed to a particular gaming location (ie, not easily removable from a particular gaming location).

[0430] Optionally, device 800 may include device identification data, which may specify a particular venue and / or gaming location associated with the device 800.

[0431] The device 800 may be coupled to a movable arm, for example, the device 800 may be mounted at the end of a movable arm of a proxy device, as shown in the examples of Figures 6A and 6B.

[0432] 8A-8C, device 800 may include a mating connector similar to connector 525 shown in FIG. 5A. The mating connector may be used to couple device 800 to a proxy device. Alternatively or additionally, device 800 may include a wireless communication module usable to communicate wirelessly with the proxy device.

[0433] Optionally, device 800 may include an internal power source, such as one or more batteries or other energy storage components. Alternatively or additionally, device 800 may include a power connector usable to couple device 800 to a power source, such as a mains power source or a portable power source. The power connector may be combined with a mating connector and / or a separate coupling element.

[0434] Slot machine adaptation The following is a description of slot machine adaptations that may be used in any proxy gaming system alone or in any combination or subcombination with one or more of any other features disclosed herein.

[0435] According to this aspect, a slot machine adaptation is provided that can facilitate use of the slot machine by a proxy device. The slot machine adaptation can enable the proxy device to interface and interact with the slot and video machines on behalf of a user. The slot machine adaptation can be defined to minimize or prevent interference by other individuals present at the gaming location.

[0436] 7 illustrates an example proxy device 110 700 that includes various adaptations for facilitating slot machine gaming. As will be appreciated, the proxy device 110 may be configured to operate with more, fewer, or different adaptations.

[0437] In a first example, the slot machine adaptation may include an electronic slot machine interface, such as interface 755. Interface 755 may provide a mating connection in a manner similar to connector 525.

[0438] The interface 755 may include an electronic connector provided on an extension member attached to the proxy device. The electronic connector may engage a corresponding connector on the slot machine to allow the proxy device to input bets and commands to the slot machine. Optionally, the slot machine may be configured to override manual bettor control in response to the proxy device engaging the electronic connector. This may ensure that remote players can play the slot machine while ensuring that participants at the gaming location cannot interfere with the slot machine or bets placed by the proxy device.

[0439] Alternatively or additionally, the proxy device may be configured to operate the slot machine without requiring interface 755 to physically engage the slot machine. For example, the proxy device may communicate wirelessly with the slot machine to allow a remote user to participate in a slot game. Optionally, the proxy device may even omit interface 755.

[0440] Optionally, the slot machine adaptation can include a cash replacement extension. The cash replacement extension can be insertable into an electronic bill validator provided by the slot machine to allow the robot proxy to insert value into the slot machine without requiring actual cash to be inserted. This can allow remote users to obtain credits at the slot machine without requiring cash or coins to be manually inserted.

[0441] Optionally, the slot machine adaptation can include a card replacement extension. The card replacement extension can be insertable by a proxy device into a card receptacle at a gaming location, such as a slot machine. The card replacement extension can be used to mimic or substitute for a card, such as a player points card, that a user might insert at the gaming location. The card replacement extension can be inserted into an electronic points card validator provided by the slot machine to allow a remote player to accumulate electronic player points from the slot machine. These electronically earned remote points can be automatically linked to the player's physical casino card to allow the user to accumulate player points while playing remotely or in person. The player can then use those accumulated points in person when they are at that particular casino for dining rewards or other reward programs.

[0442] Optionally, the slot machine adaptation may include an extension member operable to engage with a manual input device provided by the slot machine, such as a button, a touch screen, and / or a lever. For example, a gripping member 747 may be disposed on the extension member to enable the proxy device to select a desired button (physical or digital) and / or pull a lever on the slot machine.

[0443] Optionally, the gripping member may include a suitable touch-sensitive element 757 to ensure that commands can be provided to a touch screen device. For example, a capacitive element may be provided on the extension member to provide a touch-sensitive element 757 that is detectable by the touch screen. The particular nature of the touch-sensitive element 757 may vary depending on the type of touch screen used by the slot machine.

[0444] Optionally, the proxy device 110 may include an anti-tamper element operable to prevent a live player from interfering with the slot machine. For example, a cover may be used to prevent a live player from accessing the command elements (e.g., buttons, touchscreen, etc.) of the slot device. The cover may be provided in various forms, including a removable clear plastic cover that allows the proxy device to prevent tampering with the commands while ensuring that a remote player can still see the command buttons accessible to the proxy device.

[0445] Optionally, the proxy device 110 may also include value input / output elements, which may allow a live player to input value into the proxy device 110 and / or retrieve value from the proxy device 110 after participating in a game.

[0446] For example, the proxy device 110 may include a value insertion unit, such as a credit / debit card reader and / or a cash insertion slot, through which a user can input value into the proxy device 110 to enable the proxy device 110 to participate in games on the user's behalf.

[0447] As another example, the proxy device 110 may include a value output unit, such as a credit / debit card reader and / or a cash dispenser unit 745, through which a user can withdraw value from the proxy device 110 to withdraw value obtained by the proxy device 110 while participating in a game on behalf of the user.

[0448] Optionally, the proxy device 110 may also include an additional output unit. For example, the proxy device 110 may have an output unit in the form of a printer. The printer may be integrated into and / or attachable to the proxy device. The proxy device may operate the printer to print validation data on a physical ticket (e.g., a cash-out voucher ticket), the physical ticket including user identifier data associated with the remote player to ensure that the ticket can be identified as representing a payment intended for the remote player. This may enable the proxy device to perform a cash-out action on a game, such as a slot machine, resulting in the generation of a payment voucher. The printer may be used by the proxy device to add the remote player's user identifier data to the physical ticket to ensure that funds can be correctly transferred to the remote player. This may simplify using the proxy device with existing casino hardware.

[0449] Optionally, device 110 may include a ticket storage device 749. Storage device 749 may be integrated into or detachable from the proxy device. Ticket storage device 749 may be used to store payment voucher tickets for later transfer to a cashier cage. The voucher tickets (optionally with added user identifier data) may then be removed and used at the cashier cage for reconciliation (e.g., to reconcile payments from casino games with funds transferred to a remote player). Storage device 749 may include controllable ticket-handling components, such as pinch rollers, to allow tickets to be easily inserted into and removed / removed from storage device 749.

[0450] Optionally, the proxy device 110 may include an additional input unit, such as an optical recognition scanner usable to read barcodes. This may enable the proxy device to identify data from various devices and physical elements of a casino game, such as a pay ticket. The proxy device 110 may scan the data presented on the pay ticket (or game display or other game-related surface) and then effectuate a corresponding funds transfer to the remote user based on a voucher (or other pay indicia) received for the user at the casino.

[0451] Optionally, the proxy device may include a value storage unit, such as a secured container 751. The value storage unit may store value provided in physical form (e.g., cash, chips, etc.) representing value obtained by a remote player of the proxy device. The physical value stored in the container 751 may be used by the casino or other administrator to match payments to the remote user. Optionally, the proxy device may output receipt data (e.g., using a printer) in response to the value stored in the container 751. The receipt data may identify the remote user associated with the stored value. The receipt data may ensure that funds can be correctly allocated to the remote player.

[0452] Although the example of FIG. 7 shows separate storage devices 749 and 751, it should be understood that the proxy device may operate a combined storage device for both cash / chips and payment tickets.

[0453] Electronic Chip System The following is a description of an electronic chip system that may be used in any proxy gaming system alone or in any combination or subcombination with one or more of any other features disclosed herein.

[0454] According to this aspect, an electronic chip system is provided that can be used to participate in casino games. The electronic chip system can be used by proxy devices (see, e.g., FIG. 11) and / or live participants (see, e.g., FIG. 10) to participate in casino games. A dealer or other venue employee can also interact with the electronic chip system to accept or reject bets and / or output the results of player bets.

[0455] Generally, electronic chip systems involve the use of one or more electronic casino chips having variable values ​​that can be assigned by a user as the user places a bet. The value of the electronic casino chip can also be assigned by a dealer when paying a winning bet to a player. The electronic chip can include one or more output display elements (e.g., display 1081) that can be used to convey information identifying the chip's assigned value for a given bet. This can help reduce the number of chips required when a player participates in a casino game. For example, a dealer can interact with an individual electronic chip to pay a winning bet, rather than having to hand multiple casino chips to a player. This can also facilitate proxy device participation by minimizing the number of chips that a proxy device is required to manage while participating in a game on behalf of a remote user.

[0456] The electronic chip may be provided in the form of a device body that allows a user to place a bet on a casino game. The device body may include components of the electronic chip, such as a controller and memory.

[0457] Optionally, electronic chips may be used in combination with standard casino chips (e.g., table color-assigned value chips 1011B and / or casino value chips 1011A). Alternatively, electronic chips may allow standard casino chips to be omitted. This may reduce the number of chips the casino is required to manage. This may also allow a larger number of players to participate in a given game, for example, by reducing the number of chips on the table for each participant or required to pay winning bets.

[0458] Optionally, the electronic chip may be sized to correspond to the shape and size of a standard casino chip and / or the size of a dealer's tray. This may simplify the use of the electronic chip with existing casino infrastructure. That is, the body of the electronic chip may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The device body may be shaped and sized to correspond to a standard casino chip. For example, the body of the electronic chip may have a diameter in the range of approximately 35-50 mm, and in particular, the electronic chip may have a diameter of approximately 39 mm (e.g., for use in a poker game). The thickness of the electronic chip may vary depending on the implementation.

[0459] Optionally, the electronic chip may be shaped or sized (e.g., longer and / or wider) to distinguish it from a standard casino chip. For example, the electronic chip may be an elongated electronic chip (e.g., having a longer vertical length compared to a standard chip). This may allow the electronic chip to be easily identified as an electronic chip as opposed to a standard casino chip. This may also facilitate manipulation of the electronic chip by a user.

[0460] Optionally, participants at casino games or casino venues utilizing the electronic chip system may have associated, electronically monitored accounts. A user account may identify value associated with that user that may be assigned to corresponding electronic chips. For example, a proxy gaming platform may maintain a user value account for each user as the user participates in games at one or more gaming venues. A user may establish a link between an electronic chip and a user account using authentication data associated with the user account.

[0461] Optionally, when a user places a bet, the corresponding value may be removed from the user's account (eg, placed in an escrow-type account) or otherwise held in the user's account.

[0462] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic chip itself may include memory that stores the chip's available value (e.g., available bet amount). A user may enter value into the chip (e.g., via a user device, a proxy device, or a cashier at a gaming venue). The electronic chip may then adjust its accessible value based on the outcome of a bet involving the chip. The controller may update the available bet amount based on the outcome of a bet placed using the chip.

[0463] The accessible value stored by the electronic chip can limit the value of a bet placed using that chip, i.e., the controller of the electronic chip can be configured to adjust the bet value to a defined maximum bet amount based on the available bet amount.

[0464] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic chip can store value that is redeemable at a casino. For example, a user may enter value into the electronic chip at a casino in generally the same manner as purchasing standard casino chips (e.g., through a buy-in at a gaming table location such as a roulette or blackjack table, a transaction at a cashier's cage, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, value may be added to the chip electronically, for example, through an electronic transaction with a user device and / or through a chip loading station where the user can conduct a transaction.

[0465] Optionally, the electronic chip may include a wireless communication module that enables the electronic chip to send and receive data between the electronic chip and devices such as proxy devices, user devices, dealer devices, and servers. The electronic chip may send and receive various types of data, such as bet data, bet result data, user account data, and available value data.

[0466] The electronic chip may be configured to receive input indicating a bet amount and to modify an output display to reflect the bet amount. The bet on the electronic chip may be adjusted in response to commands from a live player, a proxy device, and / or venue personnel. For example, a dealer may manually adjust the value of the electronic chip in response to commands from a live player and / or a proxy device.

[0467] Optionally, the electronic chip can include a user input that allows a user (or a proxy device or dealer) to adjust the value of a bet being placed. The electronic chip can include a user input interface coupled to the controller. The user input can receive a user bet input that can be used by the controller to define the value of a bet associated with that chip at that point in game play.

[0468] 10 and 11, bets made on chip 1080 can be adjusted using input buttons 1083A and 1083B. Data shown on display 1081 can then change in response to inputs received through input buttons 1083A and 1083B. In the example shown, input buttons 1083 are located on the top surface of the electronic chip. Alternatively, input buttons 1083 can be located along the side of the electronic chip.

[0469] As shown, the electronic chip 1080 may include a bet increase button 1083B and a bet decrease button 1083A. The controller may adjust the bet value by a predefined amount in response to a bet input received at either of the buttons 1083. The predefined amount may be predefined for the electronic chip. Alternatively, a user may define the predefined amount when initiating a gaming session using the electronic chip 1080 (e.g., as a predefined amount stored in their user account data during the initiation process, etc.).

[0470] Optionally, electronic chip 1080 can have more, fewer, and / or different input and / or output devices. For example, electronic chip 1080 can include one or more speakers. The speakers can be used to output game and bet-related data, such as bets placed, remaining account balances, chip status (e.g., billing status), etc. Alternatively or additionally, electronic chip can include an output display, such as display 1081 shown in the example of FIG. 10.

[0471] The electronic chip 1080 may include one or more built-in energy storage components, and thus the chip 1080 may include a recharging unit, for example, a wireless or wired charging unit.

[0472] The electronic chip 1080 may also include various additional input devices, such as an on / off switch or buttons.

[0473] The proxy device 110 may be configured with an electronic chip handler adaptation 1185 to facilitate use of the electronic chip 1080. The electronic chip handler 1185 may include couplings (e.g., signal connectors) to allow the proxy device 120 to coordinate bets on the chip 1080. The electronic chip handler 1185 may also include chip gripping elements to allow the proxy device to position and reposition the electronic chip 1080 for placing bets.

[0474] Optionally, the electronic chip handler 1185 may be integrated into or otherwise associated with a chip dispenser, such as exemplary chip dispenser 500.

[0475] Optionally, proxy device 120 may include a non-removable electronic chip 1080. For example, electronic chip 1080 may be affixed to or integrated into an extension member (e.g., affixed to electronic chip handler 1185). Proxy device 120 may place bets by placing electronic chip 1080 over betting locations (e.g., numbers on a roulette table), displaying bets, and / or placing bets electronically with the gaming system.

[0476] Alternatively or additionally, the value of the electronic chip may be adjusted automatically in response to an electronic command from the proxy device, for example, using a wireless signal to adjust the value of the electronic chip and / or through a physical connector provided by the extension member (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11). The chip may be configured to automatically adjust the displayed output to reflect the value of the chip (e.g., by changing the color and / or numerical value displayed by the chip).

[0477] When a bet is completed, a venue employee (e.g., a dealer) can update the status of the electronic chip (and associated user account) to reflect whether the user won, lost, or tied the bet, and the electronic chip and user account can be updated accordingly.

[0478] For example, a dealer may operate a chip control unit, such as exemplary chip control unit 1200 shown in FIG. 12. The chip control unit may be configured to interface with an electronic chip, such as chip 1080, or a betting device, such as device 1390 or 900. When a bet is completed, the dealer can use chip control unit 1200 to provide feedback to electronic chip 1080 indicating the outcome of the bet. The value associated with the electronic chip may then be automatically updated in response to the feedback from chip control unit 1200.

[0479] Optionally, chip control unit 1200 may be used by the dealer to indicate to the electronic chip whether a given bet has been won or lost. For example, the dealer may select a pay mode (e.g., via a button on chip control unit 1200). In the pay mode, chip control unit 1200 may provide feedback to the electronic chip indicating that the bet has been won and may initiate a transfer of value to the chip and / or an account associated with the chip. The dealer may also select a wager lost mode (e.g., via a button on chip control unit 1200). In the wager lost mode, chip control unit 1200 may provide feedback to the electronic chip indicating that the bet has been lost and may initiate a transfer of value from the chip and / or an account associated with the chip.

[0480] As shown in FIG. 12, chip control unit 1200 can display game status data (e.g., winning roulette bets) to the dealer. This can assist the dealer in selecting the correct mode for each electronic chip placed on a given gaming table. For example, chip control unit 1200 can display the outcome of a given round to the dealer and player (e.g., in FIG. 12, the winning roulette number 11 is shown on unit 1200). Chip control unit 1200 can also provide pay instructions to the dealer indicating that one or more bets have been successful and need to be paid.

[0481] Optionally, the dealer may manually adjust the chip control unit to indicate whether a bet has been won or lost. Alternatively, the chip control unit may be automatically updated in response to monitoring game play (e.g., by detecting the outcome of a roulette spin and the bets placed on that spin) (see, e.g., chip control unit 1200).

[0482] Optionally, the chip control unit and the electronic chip 1080 or betting device 1390 may have removable mating coupling members. This may allow the chip control unit to easily and quickly engage with the chip 1080 to provide bet result feedback related to the outcome of a bet. For example, the chip control unit may include a protrusion (e.g., similar to chip protrusion 1391) that may be used to initiate a payout to the electronic chip. Optionally, the electronic chip may include a corresponding recess shaped to receive the protrusion to initiate a payout transaction.

[0483] Optionally, the electronic chip may be configured to temporarily display a bet result indicating value gained or lost by the user in a previous bet.

[0484] Optionally, the electronic chip may be configured to display an account status indicator that reflects the current amount of value held by the user. For example, the electronic chip may display the user's current account value during bets placed by the user. This may provide an indication of the value held by the user that replaces the stack of chips that would normally be used by the participant in a casino game.

[0485] Optionally, a player may use the betting device 1390 to place a bet electronically at a gaming table. The betting device 1390 may include a bet placement member that may be used to select a particular location for a bet (e.g., for table games with designated betting locations, such as roulette). A user may operate the betting device 1390 to place a bet in a live game. Bets may be submitted electronically and may be represented on a virtual display visible to players in proximity to the gaming location.

[0486] The use of electronic chips may vary depending on the particular game being played. For example, a user may need multiple electronic chips to participate in some games, such as roulette or blackjack. For example, in blackjack, a user may need multiple electronic chips to allow for splitting or doubling down. In roulette, a user may need multiple electronic chips to place bets on different table locations.

[0487] Alternatively or additionally, multiple bets for a user may be displayed through an output device at the gaming location. For example, the bets may be displayed using a projection system located at the gaming location. This may allow a user to place multiple bets while using fewer electronic chips and / or betting devices.

[0488] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic chip 1080 and / or the gaming location may include a chip location monitoring system to allow the location of the chip 1080 to be identified within the gaming location (e.g., at a particular betting location on a gaming table, such as a number on a roulette table). A user may place the electronic chip 1080 at a designated location and select an enter button to place a bet associated with that location. A bet may then be received for the user associated with the particular location (as determined by the chip location monitoring system). The user may then reposition the electronic chip 1080 to an additional betting location to enter additional bets for the same period of play.

[0489] The electronic chips 1080 and / or the gaming table may include a wager received indicator that provides an indication (e.g., a visual indication, an audible noise) that a bet has been received so that a player can be reassured that the bet has been properly received before rearranging the electronic chips 1080.

[0490] The gaming table may be configured to allow a variety of different types of game play and betting options for use with electronic chips, including, for example, game play specific locations (e.g., double down, bet locations) and payment and transfer locations (e.g., tip dealer, pay to user account).

[0491] Optionally, the betting device 1390 and / or electronic chip 1080 may be restricted for use at a particular gaming location. That is, the betting device 1390 and / or electronic chip 1080 may only be usable when participating in casino games at the associated gaming location. This may ensure that the betting device 1390 and / or electronic chip 1080 are available at that gaming location when player volume increases and, therefore, increased gaming capacity is desired. The betting device 1390 and / or electronic chip 1080 may then include gaming location data (e.g., a visual identifier, an electronic identifier, etc.) that identifies the gaming locations at which they are usable.

[0492] Alternatively, the betting device 1390 and / or electronic chip 1080 may be available at multiple gaming locations within a venue, which may allow users to easily transfer value between different games at the venue to participate in different games.

[0493] Optionally, betting device 1390 may include protrusion 1391. A user may tap or press protrusion 1391 on a desired betting location to deposit a bet.

[0494] Optionally, protrusion 1391 may be retractable into betting device 1390. For example, protrusion 1391 may operate as a betting switch (e.g., an electronic or mechanical switch) to initiate a bet for a player. A player may activate the betting switch by pressing protrusion 1391 onto a gaming table, causing protrusion 1391 to retract into betting device 1390. Protrusion 1391 may be biased (e.g., spring-loaded) to an extended position and may activate the betting switch in response to being moved to a retracted position (e.g., when betting device 1390 is pressed onto the table). The location of betting device 1390 and protrusion 1391 may be monitored to identify the particular bet being made by a player when protrusion 1391 is pressed.

[0495] Optionally, bets placed by the betting device 1390 may be selected / adjusted by the user in the same manner as the electronic chips 1080 (eg, using the input buttons 1083).

[0496] Alternatively, a user can define a bet increment amount for the betting device 1390 (e.g., in the same manner as the electronic chip 1080). The user can then define a bet by pressing the prong 1391 one or more times at a given betting location to define the bet as: bet = bet increment amount x number of prong activations. That is, the user can tap the betting device 1390 on the gaming table multiple times to define a bet that increases in increments of the bet increment amount up to a total defined by the number of taps.

[0497] Optionally, the betting device 1390 may also allow a user to withdraw all or a portion of a bet made using the betting device 1390. For example, the betting device 1390 may include a mode selection input (e.g., a button on the top or side of the betting device 1390). A user can select the mode selection input to adjust the betting device 1390 between a place wager mode and a withdraw wager mode. In the withdraw wager mode, a user may withdraw a portion of a given bet by tapping the betting device 1390 on a gaming table to withdraw a bet in bet increments. Alternatively or additionally, a user may withdraw the user's entire bet through a single tap at a betting location (e.g., through use of a bet removal button on the betting device 1390).

[0498] Bets placed using betting device 1390 may be shown to players at the gaming location through one or more display devices. Each bet may be displayed with a player-specific indicator (e.g., a particular color) to allow each user to easily identify and review the bets they have placed. This may allow users to review their bets and facilitate adjusting and / or withdrawing those bets as desired.

[0499] Table dealers may also receive standard casino value chips, value-assigned color table chips, or cash from floor players. This data may be entered into an electronic device and transferred to a corresponding user account for the floor player. The floor player may then utilize the electronic chips to participate in games at the gaming venue using the value stored in the user's account.

[0500] The electronic chip and / or betting device may also include various security and tracking features. For example, the electronic chip and / or betting device may include tracking and / or alarm features to ensure that the location of the chip / device can be monitored. This may help prevent loss or theft of the chip / device and any associated value. For example, the electronic chip and / or betting device may include a location detection system that monitors the location of the electronic chip / betting device. The electronic chip and / or betting device may be configured to cause an alarm to sound (e.g., on the chip itself or through communication with an external system) if the chip / device is removed from the gaming venue.

[0501] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic chip and / or betting device may include a user-specific security feature, such as a biometric feature (e.g., a fingerprint scanner). For example, the biometric feature may be used to ensure that the appropriate user is placing bets on and / or redeeming the electronic chip 1080 or betting device 1390. For example, a user may be required to scan their fingerprint before or during each bet they place. This may help prevent cheating by other players.

[0502] Optionally, the biometric detection feature may be defined when the electronic chip and / or betting device is acquired by a user. For example, a user may provide a fingerprint calibration input to the electronic chip and / or betting device when the electronic chip and / or betting device is acquired to ensure that the electronic chip and / or betting device is tied to the user's fingerprint. The biometric detection feature may be reset for each user when the electronic chip and / or betting device is acquired by that user. The controller of the electronic chip and / or betting device may be configured to prevent a bet value from being defined and / or adjusted prior to authentication of the user.

[0503] Alternatively or additionally, the chip control unit may include user-specific security features, such as biometric features (e.g., fingerprint scanners), similar to those described for electronic chips, which may ensure that operation of the chip control unit is limited to the dealer for the corresponding table.

[0504] Game Operation Mode The following is a description of a multi-mode gaming system that may be used in any proxy gaming system alone or in any combination or subcombination with one or more of any other features disclosed herein.

[0505] According to this aspect, the proxy device may operate in one or more modes of operation, which may relate to the manner in which the proxy device is controlled or operated to allow a user to participate in a game at a gaming venue.

[0506] In a first mode of operation, a remote user may participate in a live in-person game using a proxy device via a remote user device (e.g., as described herein above with reference to FIG. 3). In some instances, the remote user may select a proxy device at the time of participating in the game. Alternatively or additionally, the user may submit a request to reserve the proxy device 110 for a specific date and / or time to participate in the in-person game via the proxy device.

[0507] In a second mode of operation, a user may participate in a live in-person game using a proxy device via a user device while in the vicinity of the gaming location (e.g., while in the gaming venue.) The second mode of operation may proceed in generally the same manner as the first mode of operation, except that the user may be located in the gaming venue or even at the gaming table itself.

[0508] In a second mode of operation, the live player may operate the proxy device to perform any and all functions that may be available to the remote player.

[0509] To facilitate use by in-person players, the proxy device may include an input device that allows a live player to control the operation of the proxy device. For example, a user may input commands, provide credit buy-ins, and enter bets and wagering command inputs directly into the proxy device when a robot proxy is available and not currently occupied in a gaming session on the proxy gaming platform.

[0510] Optionally, the proxy device may include a removable portable input device that can be accessed by a live player and used as a user device for that player while at the game venue. The portable input device may be prevented from leaving the venue and, for example, may be equipped with a location detection system and an alarm or deactivation system to prevent continued use outside the venue. The portable input unit may be removably attached to the proxy device or may be stored in an accessible storage compartment, such as the exemplary input unit storage compartment 753 shown in FIG. 7.

[0511] Optionally, the input device may be used by a live player to join in on the play of a remote user.

[0512] Optionally, the proxy device may include a cash slot and / or a credit / debit card slot to allow a user to input value into the proxy device.

[0513] In a third mode of operation, a user may participate in a live in-person game at a gaming venue after participating in a game using a proxy device, i.e., a user may continue to participate in the same game after previously participating in a casino game via a proxy device, and / or a user may continue to participate in the same game using a proxy device after previously participating in a casino game in-person.

[0514] Users may also transition between operating modes while participating in the same in-person game. This may enable users to have a substantially continuous gaming experience while in-person at the gaming venue, at other locations, and / or on route to and from the gaming venue. This may also allow users to reserve a desired game type, game location, and even seat / machine prior to arriving at the gaming venue. At the same time, venue operators can be confident that gaming will still be conducted at their seat through the proxy device.

[0515] Proxy devices that are foldable and / or include seats may be particularly useful in facilitating a third mode of operation and / or transitions between modes of operation.

[0516] Enabling transitions between modes of operation can provide several benefits to in-person participants. For example, a user may choose to leave a gaming location for personal reasons (e.g., a family issue arises, or another player at the table becomes irritating) or due to external factors (e.g., approaching bad weather) while still participating in a game. Maintaining the user's place in a game may also allow the user to continue participating in a game without missing a desired action, such as a progressive jackpot or a favorite number in roulette. Additionally, this may allow a player to temporarily leave a gaming location (e.g., to eat, use the restroom, answer a phone call, etc.) without losing the player's place in the game.

[0517] The user may instruct the proxy device to continue to participate in the game, for example using automated betting data, while the user is engaged in other matters.

[0518] Optionally, a further virtual mode of operation may be provided. The virtual mode of operation may enable a user to participate in a live in-person game without necessarily requiring the use of a proxy device. For example, a virtual mode of operation may be desirable for participating in a casino game where a user is in-person but there is no more space at the table and / or there are no more chips remaining at the table. In such a situation, the user may interact with a user device 120, such as tablet 900, to place bets using virtual chips. Such bets may be shown only to the user and / or they may be displayed using a proxy device and / or display using a table display device.

[0519] As shown in FIG. 9, the user device 900 may provide a user interface that allows a user to participate in live casino games while placing bets through the user device 900. The user device 900 may allow a user to place bets directly at the gaming location, with such bets being displayed using a display or projection at the gaming location.

[0520] To further enable virtual modes of operation, game locations may provide users with access to location-specific user devices. Location-specific user devices may generally be similar to user devices 120, except that they may offer functionality tied to a particular game location. For example, a location-specific user device may be limited to participating in games in progress at the corresponding game location.

[0521] Optionally, the user device and / or the location-specific user device may allow the user to input value. For example, the location-specific user device may be equipped with a credit / debit card payment unit to allow the user to load value using the user's credit / debit card. Alternatively or additionally, the user may input value digitally, for example, through a smartphone and / or by accessing a user account via the internet.

[0522] As used herein, the term "and / or" is intended to represent an inclusive or. That is, "X and / or Y" means, for example, X or Y or both. As a further example, "X, Y, and / or Z" means X or Y or Z, or any combination thereof.

[0523] While the above description describes features of exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and / or functions of the described embodiments can be modified without departing from the spirit and operating principles of the described embodiments. For example, various features described by the depicted embodiments or examples can be selectively combined with one another. Accordingly, the above description is illustrative of the claimed concepts and is intended to be non-limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be accorded the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. 1. A system for enabling remote participation in a live in-person game held at a gaming venue, the system comprising: a proxy device located at the gaming venue; one or more servers communicatively coupled to the proxy device and the user device; Equipped with the proxy device is disposable at a gaming location within the gaming venue; the one or more servers: receiving control data from the user device; transmitting the control data to the proxy device; configured to: The system, wherein the proxy device is configured to participate in the game at the gaming location in response to the control data, thereby enabling a user associated with the user device to participate in the game.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the control data comprises betting data, and the proxy device is configured to place a bet on the game in response to the betting data.

3. The proxy device: obtaining game data relating to the status of the game; transmitting said game data to said one or more servers; configured to: the one or more servers are configured to transmit the game data to the user device, the game data being usable by the user device to generate a status output representative of the status of the game; 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the game data includes user-specific data that is not visible to other players participating in the game.

5. 5. The system of claim 3 or 4, wherein the game data includes participant wagering data for one or more live players participating live in the game at the gaming venue.

6. 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the game data includes dealer data representing instructions provided by a dealer of the game.

7. The proxy device: identifying a designated action to be performed by the dealer of the game; automatically generating said dealer data in response to identifying said specified action; The system of claim 6 configured to:

8. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the specified action corresponds to a no more bet instruction, and wherein the one or more servers are configured to prevent the user from submitting further bets in response to identifying the no more bet instruction.

9. The proxy device: acquiring environmental data relating to an environment of the gaming venue; transmitting the environmental data to the one or more servers; configured to: the one or more servers are configured to transmit the environmental data to the user device, the environmental data being usable by the user device to generate an environmental output representative of the environment of the gaming venue. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the user device is operable to mute at least a portion of the environmental data acquired by the proxy device.

11. The one or more servers: receiving additional betting data from additional user devices, the additional user devices corresponding to additional users; transmitting the additional betting data to the proxy device; configured to: the proxy device is configured to place an additional piggyback bet in the game in response to the additional betting data, thereby enabling the additional user to participate in the game by piggybacking on the participation of the user device; A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the one or more servers: receiving automated bet data from the user device; transmitting the automatic bet data to the proxy device; configured to: the proxy device is configured to place a plurality of automated bets on the game in response to the automated bet data; A system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the automated bet data defines a user-specified set of betting rules, and the proxy device is configured to place the automated bet in accordance with the user-specified set of betting rules in the absence of additional instructions.

14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the user device is located at the gaming venue.

15. 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is located at a remote user location outside the gaming venue.

16. 16. The system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the gaming venue is a casino and the game is a casino game.

17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the proxy device and the one or more servers communicate over a local private network.

18. 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more servers and the user devices communicate over the local private network.

19. 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more servers and the user devices communicate at least in part using a public network.

20. 20. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more servers are configured to authenticate the user before allowing the user device to control the proxy device to participate in the game.

21. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the one or more servers are configured to continually authenticate the user while the game is ongoing to allow the user device to continue to control the proxy device.

22. A device for enabling remote participation in a live face-to-face game held at a gaming venue, a base deployable at a gaming location for a particular game within the gaming venue; at least one input unit mounted to the base, the at least one input unit including a video capture device, the at least one input unit configurable to capture game status data relating to a playing environment of the particular game; and at least one output unit mounted to the base, the at least one output unit configurable to interact with the play environment of the particular game; and a communication interface; one or more processors; Equipped with the one or more processors acquiring game data relating to the status of the particular game using the at least one input unit; transmitting the game data to a user device via the communication interface; receiving control data from the user device via the communication interface, the control data comprising betting data for the particular game being played within the gaming venue; operating the at least one output unit to place a bet on the particular game using the betting data; and A device configured to:

23. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the at least one output unit includes a speaker, and the one or more processors are configured to output audio bets for the game through the speaker in response to the control data.

24. 24. The device of claim 22 or 23, wherein the at least one output unit includes a display, and the one or more processors are configured to display bets for the game on the display in response to the control data.

25. 25. The device of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the at least one output unit includes a projector, and the one or more processors are configured to project bets for the game onto a playing surface of the game in response to the control data.

26. 26. The device of claim 22, wherein the at least one output unit includes a display, and the one or more processors are configured to display user representations on the display while the game is progressing.

27. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the user representation is defined based on video data showing the user obtained from the user device while the game is in progress.

28. 28. A device according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the user representation is generated as an avatar representing the user.

29. 29. The device of any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the device is deployable at multiple gaming locations within the gaming venue.

30. 30. The device of claim 29, wherein the base is a movable base.

31. 231. The device of claim 230, wherein the base is wheeled.

32. 32. The device of claim 30 or 31, further comprising one or more track members, said track members being mateable with a track and said device being movable along said track.

33. 33. A device according to any one of claims 22 to 32, wherein the communication interface comprises a wireless communication unit.

34. 34. A device according to any one of claims 22 to 33, wherein the communication interface comprises at least one wired communication connection.

35. 35. The device of any one of claims 22 to 34, further comprising a lock usable to secure the device to a particular gaming location.

36. 36. The device of claim 35, wherein the lock is mateable with a corresponding lock receiver at the particular gaming location.

37. 37. The device of any one of claims 22 to 36, wherein the at least one input unit is height adjustable.

38. 38. The device of any one of claims 22 to 37, wherein the at least one output unit is height adjustable.

39. 39. The device of any one of claims 22 to 38, wherein the device is adjustable to a compact stored position.

40. 40. The device of any one of claims 22 to 39, wherein the at least one output unit includes at least one game-specific interaction unit configured to enable participation in a designated game.

41. 41. The device of claim 40, wherein the at least one game-specific interaction unit comprises a plurality of game-specific interaction units, the device operable to coordinate among the game-specific interaction units to enable the device to participate in different games.

42. 42. The device of claim 41, wherein at least one of the game-specific interaction units is removable.

43. 43. The device of any one of claims 22 to 42, further comprising a chip enclosure shaped to receive one or more casino chips, the chip enclosure being secured to prevent unauthorized access to the casino chips.

44. 44. The device of any one of claims 22 to 43, further comprising a funds transfer unit operable to receive funds from a user, the funds being provided in one of a cash deposit, a card-based deposit using a credit or debit card, or a device-based deposit using an electronic device associated with the user.

45. 45. A device as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 44, further comprising a funds transfer unit operable to receive funds related to the outcome of the game and to electronically transfer the received funds to an account associated with the user following completion of the user's participation in the game.

46. 1. A device for facilitating remote participation in a card game, said device comprising: a bottom wall and at least one side wall extending between the bottom wall and a top end of the device, the bottom wall and each side wall being substantially opaque; an upper wall member proximate a top end of the device, the upper wall member being substantially transparent and having an inner side facing the bottom wall and an outer side opposite the inner side; a camera positioned facing the inside of the upper wall, the camera operable to capture images of objects positioned on the outside of the upper wall; A device comprising:

47. 47. The device of claim 46, wherein the upper wall member is recessed below the top end of the device.

48. 48. The device of claim 46 or 47, wherein the upper wall member includes a gap section sized to allow a finger to pass therethrough, the gap section arranged to facilitate removal of an object disposed on the upper wall member.

49. 49. The device of claim 48, wherein a portion of the at least one sidewall includes a cutout section aligned with the void section.

50. 50. The device of claim 49, wherein the portion comprises a movable sidewall section movable to close the cut section.

51. 51. A device according to any one of claims 46 to 50, wherein the enclosure is substantially rectangular.

52. 52. A device according to any one of claims 46 to 51, wherein the upper wall member is shaped to receive at least two adjacent playing cards.

53. 53. The device of claim 52, wherein the upper wall member is shaped to receive at least five adjacent playing cards.

54. 54. A device according to any one of claims 46 to 53, wherein the device is mounted on a movable base.

55. 55. The device of claim 54, wherein the device is mounted on a movable arm extending from the movable base.

56. a processor; Communication interface and Furthermore, the processor: acquiring the image from the camera; transmitting the image to a remote user device via the communication interface; 56. A device according to any one of claims 46 to 55, configured to:

57. 57. A device as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 56, wherein the at least one side wall includes a slot shaped to receive a playing card, the slot being located between the upper wall member and the top end of the device.

58. 1. A device for handling casino chips, said device comprising: a chip receiving area sized to accommodate a plurality of casino chips, the chip receiving area extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, the second end being open; at least one sidewall extending from the first end to the second end, the at least one sidewall defining a perimeter of the chip receiving area; at least one movable member, the at least one movable member movable within the chip receiving area to selectively dispense the casino chips from the chip receiving area; A device comprising:

59. 59. The device of claim 58, wherein the chip receiving area is a cylindrical channel.

60. 60. The device of claim 58 or 59, wherein the at least one movable member comprises an ejection member that is longitudinally movable within the tip receiving area from the first end toward the second end.

61. 61. The device of any one of claims 58 to 60, wherein the at least one movable member comprises a movable sidewall member, the movable sidewall member being movable outwardly away from the chip receiving area.

62. 62. The device of any one of claims 58 to 61, further comprising a plurality of inwardly extending projections, each projection extending inwardly from a given one of the at least one sidewall member into the chip receiving area.

63. 63. The device of claim 62, wherein the protrusions are longitudinally spaced apart from longitudinally adjacent protrusions by a distance approximately equal to the height of one casino chip.

64. 64. A device according to claim 62 or 63, wherein the protrusion is retractable.

65. 65. A device according to any one of claims 62 to 64, wherein the protrusions are controllably retractable.

66. 66. A device as described in any one of claims 62 to 65, wherein the plurality of protrusions comprises a plurality of aligned groups of protrusions, each protrusion within an aligned group of protrusions being aligned in the longitudinal direction, and each group of protrusions reducing the perimeter of the chip receiving area to less than the width of the casino chip.

67. 67. The device of any one of claims 58 to 66, wherein the at least one sidewall member is arranged to define the perimeter of the chip receiving area to be greater than the width of the casino chip.

68. 68. The device of any one of claims 58 to 67, wherein the chip receiving area comprises a cylindrical channel.

69. 58. A device according to any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein the at least one game-specific interaction unit comprises a device according to any one of claims 46 to 57.

70. 69. A device according to any one of claims 22 to 45, further comprising a device according to any one of claims 58 to 68.

71. 22. The system of claim 1, wherein the proxy device comprises a device according to any one of claims 22 to 45 and 69 and 70.

72. 10. A system for enabling remote participation in live in-person games, as generally shown and described herein.

73. 2. A method for enabling remote participation in a live in-person game, as generally shown and described herein.

74. A proxy device, as generally shown and described herein.

75. 10. A tip distributor, as generally shown and described herein.

76. An electronic casino chip, as generally shown and described herein.

77. 1. A device for enabling participation in casino games, said device comprising: a device body including a controller and a memory; a display coupled to the controller, the display operable to display a wager value associated with the casino game; and a user input interface coupled to the controller, the user input operable to receive a user betting input; Equipped with The device, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the bet value in response to one or more bet inputs received by the user input interface.

78. 78. The device of claim 77, wherein the device body is substantially cylindrical.

79. 79. A device according to claim 77 or 78, wherein the device body is shaped to accommodate standard casino chips.

80. 80. A device as claimed in any one of claims 77 to 79, wherein the user input interface comprises at least two buttons, the at least two buttons including a bet increase button and a bet decrease button, and the controller is operable to adjust the bet value by a predefined amount in response to a bet input received at any one of the at least two buttons.

81. 81. A device according to any one of claims 77 to 80, wherein the device comprises a wireless communication module, the device being operable to communicate wirelessly with a remote server storing user account data.

82. 82. A device as claimed in any one of claims 77 to 81, wherein the memory is operable to store an available bet amount and the controller is operable to adjust the bet value to a defined maximum bet amount based on the available bet amount.

83. 83. A device as claimed in any one of claims 77 to 82, wherein the device further comprises a biometric identification system, the biometric identification system operable to authenticate a particular user, and the controller configured to prevent the bet value from being adjusted prior to authentication of the particular user.

84. 21. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one table output unit located at the gaming location, the at least one table output unit operable to display user betting data based on data received from the proxy device in response to the control data.

85. 46. ​​A device according to any one of claims 22 to 45, wherein the at least one output unit comprises at least one touch-sensitive element operable to interact with a touch-sensitive input surface.

86. 86. The device of any one of claims 22-46 and 85, further comprising a cash dispensing unit.

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